Boost for Esports as Nairobi County solves Ksh800,000 challenge ahead of eLigue One crucial qualifier
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 25.02.25. | 21:19
The best player will not only travel to Paris, France but also, walk home Ksh55,000 richer
The Esports Federation of Kenya can afford to sit pretty after striking a partnership deal with the County Government of Nairobi ahead of the fourth edition of the eLigue One Tour qualifier tournament.
The deal will see the County Government support the federation by availing Charter Hall to host the finals, aimed at picking the best player for a trip to France, on Friday 28 March.
Further, City Hall will provide; a mega indoor LED display screen, Playstations and a bleacher stand that can accommodate approximately 2,000 spectators.
The federation's President Ronny Lusigi revealed that it would have cost the body at least Ksh800,000 to hire a venue and pool together other materials for the final.
"We are grateful to the County Government of Nairobi for the sponsorship. It would have been expensive to organize the tournament without their support," remarked Lusigi shortly after the two entities struck the deal at City Hall.
Before the final, players will converge at the KCB Sports Club on Saturday 8 March for a contest, aimed at sieving the best eight players, who will battle it out in the final.
Lusigi called on interested players to visit the Esports online portal and register for the precursor tournament.
"The top eight players for the final will be determined in a tournament that will be held in two weeks time. It is open to all players from all over the country. The registration is already underway," added Lusigi.
The best player will not only travel to Paris, France but also, walk home Ksh55,000 richer.
Defending champion Eric 'Demon' Ngige is eager to retain his title and stretch his winnings in the tournament to three.
Ngige, who has clinched the past two editions, dared his competitors to bring their best versions of the game into the final.
"I am determined to hold on to my title and return to France. Winning the past two editions of the tournament has come with massive benefits including watching the best players in the world play in France. I believe I am the best player in Kenya," said a bullish Ngige.
.jpg)
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri pledged to support the federation beyond the tournament, which is open to players from the age of 16.
"We are happy to collaborate with the Esports Federation for the tournament. It is refreshing to hear that Nairobi residents have represented the country in major global tournaments.
This tells the kind of potential we have and the difference Esports can make. We will renovate the Charter Hall and look for broader ways of collaboration with Esports and other federations," said Muchiri.
