Kenyan eGamers jet out to Turkey for maiden Global Esports Championship

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba on Tuesday flagged off the Esports Kenya Federation who jetted out of the country for Istanbul, Turkey where they are set to make their maiden appearance at the Global Esports Championship set to take place from 15 to 17 December 2022.

In the competitions, the newly formed federation shall be presenting an eight-member team to the championships entering its second edition with Team Kenya taking part in three categories: Dota2, played on the PC category and eFootball PES and Street Fighter V that are played on PlayStation 5.

Kenyatta University trio of Shirley Adema (captain), Yvonne Nkatha and Elinah Kemunto are joined by Barbara Maush of Strathmore University, Maria Kiuru of Horizon Esports and Magdalene Mumbi of Alpha Clan in the women’s dota 2 team, which is a 5v5 computer game.

The Kenyan ladies will be the only Africans drawn in the dota 2 category after Namibia withdrew from the qualifiers and will face Argentina, New Zealand, Great Britain, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and hosts Turkey in their debut at the global stage.

Marion Muthoni will take part in the Street Fighter V category which has drawn participants from 41 other nations while Evander Maina will battle opponents from 55 nations in the eFootball category.

eSports is organized and competitive video gaming that can be played on computers, smartphones, or consoles. The games are organized by the Global eSports Federation which Kenya is a member.

The PWC Africa Media & Ent. report (2022) indicates that the Video Games market in Kenya generated KES 15B and is valued at over KES 16.8B ($137M), with a compound annual growth rate of 8.7%. eSports offerring Kenyan youth an alternate livelihood, with huge lerning potential.

In an earlier interview with Mozzart Sport, team manager Ronny Lusigi expressed his confidence in the travelling team whom he expects to make the most out of the opportunity.

“We have had our preparations for over a month now with the players. The morale is high and they are excited to feature at the global stage,” he said.

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Over 300 athletes from 65 nations and territories will compete for the ultimate glory in four titles: DOTA 2, eFootball 2023, PUBG MOBILE, and Street Fighter V: Champion Edition.

Playoffs will take place on Thursday and Friday, with the World Finals staged at the 1500-seat custom-built GEG Arena on Friday and Saturday.