The match anticipated eLigie1tour grand finale was held on March 28th at Nairobi county’s charter hall. With over 2000 attendants filling the auditorium and thousands of Kenyans following the event live , we can confidently announce that the future of e-sports in Kenya is bright.
The competition, organized in partnership between Esport Kenya Federation and French Ligue 1, saw top gamers battle it out on PlayStation 5’s EA FC 25, using only Ligue 1 teams, with the ultimate winner securing a trip to Paris, France.
"The list of finalists included Sam Carter, Collo Gamer, Prorate, Deto, Harry Kappa, Haruun Haruun, and Jojo Depay, alongside Demon
In an exciting development, the tournament w also featured a ladies’ final, showcasing the top four female gamers: Brillian Nekesa, Shirley Ndirangu, Shantel Wanjiru, and Bernice Wanjiku"
This year’s edition attracted 716 participants, who had earlier on competed in the knockout rounds on March 8 at BBS Mall in Eastleigh
Speaking during this year’s grand finale in Nairobi, e sports president. Mr Ronny Lusigi thanked the county government of Nairobi for the gracious sponsorship which saw the attendance of this year’s event grow from 500 to 2000 attendees.
This year edition has been bigger than all of . We are happy to have the support of Nairobi County Government which has moved the event to a bigger venue; the charter hall. The huge participation numbers are also a testament to how far we have grown.
“We have seen 2000 fans attend with the presence of dignitaries from the French embassy led by the Ambassador to Kenya, Prime cabinet secretary Hon Mudavadi, Nairobi Deputy Governor and also Ministry of Sports officials, and the digital ministry among others , added Lusigi.
While speaking during the event, Hon Mudavadi said that esports is more than just gaming, as it integrates technology, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship, making it a critical sector for the future.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary lauded a young innovator who developed the ‘Hiru Game,’ which conveys a conservation message by fighting poachers to protect wildlife
The presence of prime CS reaffirmed the government commitment to supporting esports and other sporting disciplines to enable young people unleash their potential.
Hon Mudavadi assured players that the government will do everything possible to support esports .
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Esports short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games.
Mudavadi further encouraged young players to collaborate with the government to enhance coding skills, emphasising that such technical abilities could position Kenya as a global powerhouse in technology.
He noted that esports is more than just gaming, as it integrates technology, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship, making it a critical sector for the future.
“As you play esports, I urge you to work with us so that skills like coding can be upgraded. As young as you are, you can transform the economy. Digital innovation is the future, and Kenya must be at the forefront of this revolution,” he added.
Mudavadi also lauded a young innovator who developed the ‘Hiru Game,’ which conveys a conservation message by fighting poachers to protect wildlife.
He expressed amazement at the creativity behind the game and encouraged young people to harness their talent for innovation.
“This is the kind of innovation that I know can do wonders. Viva esports. We will support you,” he added.
He was joined by French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet, Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, and President of the Esports Federation of Kenya Ronney Lusigi.
The teams from the competition are set to represent Kenya in France, marking a significant step in the country’s esports journey.
The milestone highlights the potential of digital sports in fostering talent, innovation, and global partnerships.
Mudavadi noted that Kenya’s presence in international esports competitions not only showcases the country’s talent but also opens doors for investment and growth in the sector.
He thanked the French ambassador to Kenya for supporting the sport and encouraged him to continue fostering the growth of esports in the country.
He also urged more stakeholders, both local and international, to invest in esports, noting that it has the potential to create job opportunities and drive Kenya’s digital economy forward.
