The countdown is over as Naivasha gears up to host the East Africa’s Biggest E-Sports Tournament on October 19 at the Rangers Gaming Station.
The event, organized by Rangers Kenya in partnership with Kili Games Tanzania, promises intense competition featuring some of the region’s best gamers.
Over 100 players are expected to battle it out in the EA Sports FC 26 showdown, headlined by Kenya’s top-ranked gamer Joash Ogutu, known in gaming circles as Jojo Depay, and fellow Kenyan contender Samuel Oyier alias Sam Cater.
The tournament has a massive prize pool of Sh 280,000, with the champion set to take home Sh 90,000. Second and third place will walk away with Sh 50,000 and Sh 30,000 respectively, while positions up to 16th will also be rewarded.
Tournament director Caroline Nyambura, popularly known as Mama Selina, expressed excitement at the growth of e-sports in the region.
“This tournament is about more than just gaming; it’s about creating opportunities for youth. We have worked tirelessly to ensure everything is in place, from logistics to sponsorships. I am passionate about e-sports because it gives talented gamers a platform to shine and pursue careers,” Nyambura said.
She added that commercializing e-sports will revolutionize the sporting landscape in East Africa.
“When we treat gaming as a business, we open doors for sponsorships, careers, and even international recognition,” she noted.
Ogutu, who leads the Kenyan charge, is equally optimistic.
“I’m excited to compete at home in such a big event. The future of sports is digital, and e-sports will be the next big thing globally. This is where young people like us can make a living doing what we love,” he said.
Mombasa Cement and Nilesh Gorasia of Rangers Gaming, supported by Baba Selina and Simo Rangers, are backing the event. Gorasia emphasized the future of gaming:
“The world is moving digital, and sports are no exception. Supporting e-sports is investing in the future of youth and entertainment,” he remarked.
With registration set at KES1,500, anticipation is high for what promises to be a historic event for East African gaming.
