Former race car driver Nikita Mazepin may become the owner of the Russian game developer behind ‘World of Tanks’ and ‘World of Ships’
Nikita Mazepin, a former race car driver and the son of Uralchem principal shareholder Dmitry Mazepin, could become the owner of Lesta Games, Russia’s largest video game company, which was seized from its previous owners, sources told Forbes Russia.
Former race car driver Nikita Mazepin, son of Uralchem principal shareholder Dmitry Mazepin, could potentially take ownership of Lesta Games, Russia's largest video game company, according to Forbes Russia. Sources indicate the deal is nearing completion, with estimates valuing the company between 30-35 billion rubles. The UKM Group, headed by Nikita Mazepin, is reportedly exploring various opportunities in digital technology, fintech, and AI.
Lesta Games is responsible for popular titles "World of Tanks," "World of Ships," and "Tanks Blitz" in Russia. The company inherited these franchises after Wargaming, the parent company, withdrew from Russia and Belarus following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Wargaming placed its gaming operations under Lesta Games' management.
In 2025, Lesta Games' owner, Malik Khatazhaev, and Kislyi were labeled as members of an "extremist organization" for supporting Ukraine during the conflict. Despite this, Lesta Games retained its operations and was ranked 12th among the most valuable internet companies in Russia, with an estimated value of $1.6 billion.
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