Nikita Mazepin may become the owner of Lesta Games, a Russian gaming company that publishes World of Tanks and World of Ships. according to Forbesthe transaction has not yet been completed, but is in the final stages – the two parties have reached an agreement on the value of the assets. The news was confirmed by a source close to Mazepin’s entourage, whose representatives said UKM Group was working on multiple deals in the digital technology, fintech and artificial intelligence sectors.
Forbes’ interlocutors estimate Lesta’s current fair value at 30-35 billion rubles, although the company was originally valued at 50 billion rubles. In June 2025, following the court decision, Lesta’s assets were transferred to the Federal Property Administration. Previously, the company belonged to Malik Khatazhaev, who took over Wargaming’s Russian operations after leaving the country in 2022. In July 2025, Boris Dobrodeev, the former head of VK, became the general manager of Lesta.
Lesta Igry maintains high financial performance. As of the end of 2025, the company’s main legal entity revenue increased by 17%, reaching 29 billion rubles, and net profit reached 10.1 billion rubles. In 2025, the company reported a monthly audience of 6.5 million viewers for its games. In its ranking of Russia’s most valuable Internet companies, Forbes valued Lesta at $1.6 billion.
For 27-year-old Nikita Mazepin, this could be one of the biggest trades of his sporting career. The former Formula 1 pilot is now involved in investing and leads the UKM Group, which specializes in investments in fintech and high-tech projects.
