Which are the most successful eSports teams in Kenya?
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Whilst top eSports teams are yet to emerge in Kenya, there’s no doubt the country will launch champion players. Amongst those who’ve begun to stake their claim in this ever-growing arena are players like the 22-year-old Sylvia Gathoni, known by gaming handle Queen Arrow, and Brian “Beast” Diang’a.
What is eSports?
If you’re new to eSports, then don’t worry; we’re here to explain. eSports is shorthand for ‘electronic sports’, and broadly describes the world of competitive video gaming.
Reaching from amateur to professional levels, part of the thrill of eSports is in the competition, but it’s definitely helped by the fact that eSports tournaments typically draw large crowds, which really enhance the spectator experience.
Just as professional football players know their game inside-out, so do eSports players. eSports can be played individually and in teams, depending on the game being played, and teams typically aren’t divided by gender.
eSports is garnering more attention than ever before. In fact, brands are increasingly endorsing eSports players, who can be earning upwards of seven figures for their success in the arena.
Overwhelmingly watched in North America, China, and South Korea, streaming services like Twitch help players to generate a fan-base as they experience the thrill of their favourite players in ‘real time’, thanks to live playback of events and tournaments.
eSports in Africa
The African eSports market is growing. In fact, according to research by Research and Markets, which charted a forecast from 2022-2027 for the African gaming market, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the continent’s gaming industry is expected to reach 12 percent during that forecast period.
Between pandemic-mandated stay-at-home orders, the growing availability of smartphone use and mobile technology, and an increasing youth population, African eSports are fast becoming an area to watch.
Some of the biggest, brightest, and best eSports gamers are located in Kenya. In 2019, the country was ranked by PwC as the eighth most popular gaming location on the continent, with a local market estimated to reach $118 million by 2022. Betting on eSports in Kenya has grown in popularity as a result, with increasing numbers of tournaments attracting both old and new fans alike to the thrill of eSports. The participation of Kenyan eSports teams and players in these tournaments is squarely placing Kenya on the eSports map, both globally and regionally.
Who are the top Kenyan eSports players?
The Esports Kenya Federation (ESKF) launched in 2018 as the country’s first eSports league, and currently has about 16 teams, all of which compete for top prizes.
While the most notable Kenyan eSports players are Sylvia “Queen Arrow” Gathoni and Brian “Beast” Diang’a, others include Hirsi “HirsiHD” Ali and Peter Mumu, Alias “Flossin Mauwano”.
Gathoni was the first Kenyan to be signed to an eSports company – specifically the New Jersey, USA-based XiT Woundz. A law student by day, Gathoni is a virtual royalty in the eSports field, and has participated in a number of competitions, including the East African Gaming Convention, predominantly playing Tekken.
Diang’a, meanwhile, is a pro at Mortal Kombat, and a self-taught eSports player. Coming from Kibera, Kenya’s largest slum, Diang’a dedicated himself to eSports with diligence, and has said that eSports gave him purpose throughout his teenage years. He’s given back by growing eSports in Kibera, and has participated in Safaricom’s youth network BLAZE, which offers mentorship to young people, and has recently launched a new video game tournament.
