Reliance Partners with BLAST to Expand Esports Business in India

03 Apr, 2025

Reliance’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Rise, has partnered with BLAST Esports to drive esports growth in India. This strategic joint venture (JV) will combine BLAST’s expertise in esports media production, publisher relationships, and intellectual properties with Jio’s advanced technology, wide distribution network, and strong local partnerships. The collaboration aims to foster sustainable growth and innovation in the esports industry, leveraging the JioGames platform to host and manage competitive gaming events.

The JV will cover all aspects of the esports ecosystem, offering services such as support for publishers and sponsors, end-to-end tournament management, targeted marketing, and high-quality production and broadcasting. By combining resources, Reliance and BLAST plan to elevate India’s position in the global esports industry while creating new opportunities for players and stakeholders.

Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST, emphasized India's potential as one of the fastest-growing gaming markets with an expanding audience and increasing demand for competitive gaming experiences. He believes the partnership will help boost India’s esports ecosystem and provide local talent with international exposure. Similarly, Devang Bhimjyani, Head of Reliance Sports, highlighted the venture’s role in unlocking India’s esports potential, with Reliance expanding its sporting interests into esports. Rise will play a crucial role in marketing and promoting esports events, while Jio will contribute its technological and distribution expertise.

Esports continues to gain recognition from global sports organizations, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) planning an annual esports series and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) incorporating esports in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. This collaboration between Reliance and BLAST is expected to position India as a major player in the global esports landscape, fostering innovation, talent development, and industry growth.

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