In a historic moment for Kenyan esports, Bilal Mohamed emerged as the champion at the gamrX African Championship held in Lagos, Nigeria.
The 25-year-old gamer secured his place in the annals of esports history by becoming the first Kenyan to clinch an international esports trophy.
Mohamed’s path to victory was marked by intense competition, culminating in a thrilling final showdown against tournament favorite Chukwudi Okoli, the reigning Nigerian champion.
In a fiercely contested battle of wits and skill within the virtual arena of Street Fighter 6, Mohamed managed to edge past Okoli with a narrow 3-2 victory.
Despite a momentary setback where he relinquished a comfortable lead, Mohamed displayed remarkable composure to clinch the decisive final set and seal his triumph.
Reflecting on his groundbreaking achievement, Mohamed expressed his elation, stating, “It feels great to win this championship, especially in my debut on the international esports stage. The final match was incredibly nerve-wracking, but I’m proud that I could maintain my focus and secure the win.”
Ronny Lusigi, the President of esports Kenya, commended Mohamed for his historic feat and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to nurturing and supporting Kenyan esports talent on the global stage.
Lusigi emphasized the significance of Mohamed’s victory in showcasing the abundant talent present within the nation’s esports community. He urged corporate entities to recognize the burgeoning potential of esports as a platform for youth empowerment and development.
In addition to Mohamed’s stellar performance, Kenya demonstrated its competitive prowess across multiple gaming disciplines.
The country secured a commendable fourth-place finish in the PUBG Mobile category, underscoring the depth of talent within its esports contingent.
Furthermore, Leone Mwaura, representing FC24, showcased his skill by advancing to the last 16 stage in his respective category, adding to Kenya’s achievements at the championship.
The gamrX African Championship drew participation from esports enthusiasts and competitors representing a diverse array of African nations, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mali, South Africa, and host nation Nigeria.
The event served as a testament to the growing popularity and competitiveness of esports across the African continent, with Kenya emerging as a rising force within the dynamic landscape of competitive gaming.
