Gaming
Nodwin expands esports empire with StarLadder acquisition
MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming just made a game-changing move, hitting the jackpot with its latest acquisition—StarLadder, a in global esports company. This deal isn’t just a power-up; it’s a full-on respawn for AAA esports events worldwide blending StarLadder’s expertise in hosting AAA events with Nodwin’s ambitious vision of redefining live entertainment for the youth.
StarLadder will retain its brand identity. founder Roman Romantsov will continue to lead operations while also becoming a shareholder in Nodwin Gaming.
The deal is valued at an initial consideration of $ 5.5 million (rs 46.75 crores), with a second instalment contingent on meeting earn-out targets. With this strategic acquisition, Nodwin Gaming is not just playing the game—it’s changing it.
The deal comes as Nodwin Gaming aggressively expands its global footprint. Having already acquired Comic Con India, influencer and MCN firm Trinity Gaming, gaming marketing agency Freaks 4U Gaming, esports agency Ninja Global, and Singapore-based live events company Branded, this latest move reinforces Nodwin’s commitment to strengthening its position in international markets.
With StarLadder now in its portfolio, Nodwin aims to amplify its high-profile event offerings, bridging the gap between emerging and established markets while unlocking new synergies between the companies. With Nodwin’s extensive industry network, StarLadder will be able to expand into new territories, form new alliances, and elevate its global standing.
Nodwin Gaming, co-founder, Akshat Rathee expressed his excitement: “StarLadder and Roman are the masterminds behind some of the most legendary esports events ever seen. Roman’s expertise in stage design, creative broadcasting, and production is second to none. I’ve been an admirer of his work for years, and now I get to build alongside him. With this partnership, we aim to create unparalleled esports experiences, bringing more CS:GO tournaments and other thrilling events to new and emerging markets. It’s a privilege to welcome such an iconic brand and visionary leader into the Nodwin Gaming family.”
Fans, meanwhile, can expect bigger, bolder, and more electrifying esports events, with innovative tournament formats and unforgettable live experiences on the horizon.
While StarLadder will continue to operate under its well-established identity, joining forces with Nodwin Gaming will unlock fresh resources, creative avenues, and expanded distribution channels, ensuring that both companies thrive in the fast-paced esports industry.
Starladder, founder, Roman Romantsov shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We live in an era of globalisation, where combining strengths, resources, and expertise is the key to success. We are thrilled to have found partners who share our vision and ambition. With Nodwin Gaming, we’re ready to take esports to the next level, bringing unforgettable events to fans across multiple games and regions. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!”
The StarLadder team, helmed by Romantsov, boasts a 20-year legacy in tournament production, having delivered some of the industry’s most prestigious competitions. Their portfolio includes Cs:Go and Dota 2 Majors, the Pubg Europe League, and the long-running StarSeries, which has featured 18 seasons of Cs 1.6 and Cs:Go and 17 seasons of Dota 2. Additionally, they’ve collaborated on white-label projects for major publishers such as Valve, Tencent, Krafton, Blizzard, Riot Games, Supercell, and Moonton.
Gaming
Bluestone FY26 revenue rises to Rs 2,436 crore, turns profitable
Q4 profit at Rs 31 crore, full-year profit at Rs 13 crore vs loss last year.
MUMBAI: From sparkle to numbers, Bluestone seems to be polishing more than just jewellery this year. Bluestone Jewellery and Lifestyle Limited reported a sharp turnaround in FY26, with revenue from operations rising to Rs 2,436 crore (Rs 24,364 million), up from Rs 1,770 crore (Rs 17,700 million) in FY25. The company posted a full-year profit of Rs 13 crore (Rs 131.79 million), a significant recovery from a loss of Rs 222 crore (Rs 2,218 million) a year ago.
Total income for the year stood at Rs 2,486 crore (Rs 24,860 million), compared to Rs 1,830 crore (Rs 18,300 million) in the previous year, reflecting both topline growth and improved operational momentum.
The March quarter, however, told a more nuanced story. Revenue from operations came in at Rs 681 crore (Rs 6,814 million), down from Rs 748 crore (Rs 7,486 million) in the year-ago period, though higher than Rs 461 crore (Rs 4,613 million) in the preceding December quarter. Net profit for Q4 stood at Rs 31 crore (Rs 311.81 million), compared to Rs 68 crore (Rs 688 million) a year earlier, but a clear reversal from a loss of Rs 51 crore (Rs 512 million) in Q3.
Margins were shaped by higher input costs, with raw material consumption rising to Rs 2,204 crore (Rs 22,043 million) for the full year, alongside employee benefit expenses of Rs 282 crore (Rs 2,824 million) and finance costs of Rs 210 crore (Rs 2,104 million). Other expenses came in at Rs 371 crore (Rs 3,715 million), slightly lower than Rs 393 crore (Rs 3,938 million) in FY25.
On the balance sheet front, total assets expanded to Rs 4,961 crore (Rs 49,610 million) as of March 31, 2026, from Rs 3,532 crore (Rs 35,322 million) a year earlier, driven largely by a surge in inventories to Rs 2,672 crore (Rs 26,718 million). Equity also strengthened to Rs 1,803 crore (Rs 18,030 million), nearly doubling from Rs 911 crore (Rs 9,107 million).
Cash flows reflected the cost of growth. Net cash used in operating activities stood at Rs 199 crore (Rs 1,990 million), while investing activities saw an outflow of Rs 239 crore (Rs 2,392 million). Financing activities, however, generated Rs 497 crore (Rs 4,971 million), helping the company end the year with cash and cash equivalents of Rs 108 crore (Rs 1,075 million), up from Rs 49 crore (Rs 487 million).
Earnings per share for FY26 came in at Rs 1.10, a sharp improvement from a negative Rs 79.74 in FY25, underlining the shift from losses to profitability.
With revenue scaling up, costs still glittering on the higher side, and profitability finally back in the black, BlueStone’s FY26 performance suggests a business mid-transition less about shine alone, and more about sustaining it.
