Technology

Kenyan gamer Bilal Mohamed wins e-sports tournament in Nigeria

Kenyan e-sports player Bilal Mohamed poses with his trophy after winning the gamrX African Championship on May 4, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

By Michael Kirwa | Sunday, May 5, 2024

E-Sports Kenya Federation President Ronny Lusigi says the victory gives them the confidence to send more players for continental competitions.

Kenyan e-sports player Bilal Mohamed marked his debut in the gamrX African Championship with a victory in the competition on the night of May 4, 2024.

The competition took place at the Landmark Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

Keep reading

Kenyan eSports sensation Eric “Demon” Ngige hopes for glory in France

The 25-year-old was crowned champion after beating Nigerian Chukwudi Nkoli 3-2 in a pulsating Street Fighter 6 final.

"I thank Allah for blessing me with this victory in my first tournament away from home. I am also grateful to the Esports Kenya Federation for providing me with this opportunity to compete on the international stage. It feels amazing to conquer Africa," Bilal said after his triumph.

"I hope this victory opens the door for more Kenyan e-sports players to compete internationally," he added.

On his part, E-Sports Kenya Federation President Ronny Lusigi congratulated Bilal while promising to take more Kenyan players to international competitions

"Kudos to Bilal. He has made Kenya proud today. We are happy with his performance. It is a testament to the progress we are making," Lusigi said.

"Now we have the motivation to send many more Kenyan players to these international tournaments. We have a lot more in store this year and we urge our players to keep working hard," Lusigi added.

🏆 BINGWA WA AFRICA!! 🇰🇪

Congratulations to Bilal Mohamed for clinching the #gamrX African Championship in Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/xgGs4Ge2iL
— Esports Kenya Federation (@ESF_Kenya) May 5, 2024

The competition had participation from 12 African countries, including Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria (hosts), Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Video gaming is quite popular among urban youth in Kenya, with some gamers playing it professionally.

The evidence for its growth and popularity is manifested in the PWC Africa Media and Entertainment report for 2022 which valued the eSports gaming market in Kenya at over $137 million (approximately Sh18 billion at the current exchange).