Blast Partners with Reliance in India

Esports giant Blast has announced a partnership with Rise, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, India’s largest private sector company, to accelerate the growth of esports in India as the country’s gaming industry features a base of 600 million people and continues to grow year over year.

Blast will bring its global esports properties and production techniques to India while co-creating new tournament IPs. The strategic partnership will leverage Reliance’s digital and distribution system — including JioGames — to create, produce and distribute esports experiences. India’s esports market is poised to reach S$ 9.2 billion by 2029.

“India is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing gaming markets in the world, with a rapidly expanding esports audience and appetite for more competitive gaming experiences,” said Robbie Douek, Blast chief executive officer. “This joint venture will not only help grow the Indian esports ecosystem but also create new pathways for local talent to shine on the global stage.”

Blast will provide services to publishers and sponsors, end-to-end tournament management, targeted marketing and production and broadcasting. The company will also establish offices and a production studio in India, joining its existing offices in London, Copenhagen and Berlin. The collaboration will further accelerate Blast’s expansion into mobile esports, following its entry into the space with last year’s Blast Bash.

“We are excited to partner with Blast, which is a leader in conducting world-class esports tournaments globally in partnership with largest gaming publishers for marquee gaming titles,” said Devang Bhimjyani, head of sports for Rise. “I welcome Robbie and his team to Reliance Group. We are very confident that with this partnership India esports will be able to realize its full potential.”