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Kenya will field three teams at the PMAC eSports Championship set for this weekend in Nairobi.
The tournament features 16 teams from across Africa, each comprising four players.
The PMAC eSports Championship will bring together participants from Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Mauritius, Madagascar, Somalia, Mauritania, Algeria, and Mali.
The winner will receive a prize of Sh1,034,709 and a direct ticket to the World Championship in Thailand in November. The championship has attracted sponsorship from Infinix, who will provide the gaming phones.
eSports Kenya President Ronny Lusigi said having three Kenyan teams among the top 16 shows that Kenya has talent.
“They are well motivated. They have checked into the camp at the Best Western Plus Hotel. The first route to the grassroots is the county government,” he said.
“We’ve been granted use of the social hall. We have the best connections, since Kenya is easily accessible from Asia and Europe. We hope a Kenyan team will win.”
Lusigi thanked the Nairobi County Government for logistical and security support. Players Yahya Zaber and Jonathan Shakid are among those expected to shine in the tournament.
“I’ve been playing for about six years and wanted to be part of this game. That’s where you stand a chance to be among the best in Thailand,” said Zaber.
Shakid added: “I’ve been playing competitively for five years. In March, we had an African local tournament online with 80 teams—16 of us progressed, and we finished fourth. In the Kenyan Pro League, we played and won round one. We are ready for Thailand.”
“Esports is contributing to the economic growth of our city. We will make Nairobi the eSports capital of Africa,” said Nairobi County Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri.
“This game is a little different from last year, and it will be a big game-changer for the youth. As the county government, we are here to support. Other than the gaming prospect, we are promoting tourism. It’s good we are able to host this—it supports Nairobi as a premier destination and gives youth across Africa a chance to learn new skills. It’s positive, and we’re glad Infinix came on board.”
