Dj Vnyash
The Manyatta Slums in Kisumu County are set to host an exciting event as the Kisumu FC 2025 Esports Gaming Tournament takes place on December 21 at the iconic House of Pain venue.
Close to 100 gamers have already registered for the tournament, with more expected to sign up in the coming days. Tournament Director Kevin Wambua confirmed that over 20 players from the Nyanza and Western regions have already confirmed their participation.
The event aims to showcase gaming talent and make significant strides toward commercializing esports in Kisumu, with the goal of elevating it to a professional level.
“This tournament is about more than just gaming; it’s about building a platform to grow and commercialize esports in Kisumu,” Wambua said.
“We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the event is a success, from securing top-notch equipment to organizing an environment that’s competitive yet inclusive. However, for this initiative to truly thrive, we need more sponsors to help unlock esports’ full potential in the region.”
Wambua urged stakeholders and corporates to support the cause, emphasizing the untapped economic opportunities that esports presents in Kenya.
“Gaming is a multibillion-dollar industry that’s still underdeveloped in this region. With the right partnerships, we can create countless opportunities for youth and position Kisumu as a key esports hub,” he added.
The tournament will feature some of Kisumu’s top gaming talents, including notable names such as Vokhe Mbweha, Cliff Terminator, Kevo Oppo (Chiang Chiang), Vanty (Glich), Raul, and Nigerian competitor King Karamor.
Other top players to look out for include George the Terminator’s Terminator, Speet, Bongez CK, Babab Voss, Kratos, Shaddy, Edmon the Constitution, Dr. Ezra, Okeyo Scamidoz, Arno Polite, and JaSigana.
Fan favorite Kevo Oppo, better known as Chiang Chiang, shared his excitement ahead of the tournament and spoke about his preparation.
“This is the perfect way to end the year. I’ve been training daily, refining my strategies, and improving my skills. The competition will be fierce, but I’m ready to show what Kisumu gamers are capable of,” Kevo said.
While excitement grows for the event, Wambua criticized the Esports Federation of Kenya (EFK) for overlooking regions like Nyanza and Western, with a focus primarily on Nairobi.
“Our gamers in Kisumu are just as talented as those in Nairobi, yet we’ve been sidelined. We need the federation to recognize and support gamers from all parts of the country,” Wambua stated.
In response, Esports Federation of Kenya President Ronny Mamba praised the efforts of Kisumu organizers and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to expanding esports across the country.
“Esports Kenya appreciates the efforts of various gaming communities organizing competitions that contribute to the growth of esports in the country. As a new federation, we are actively expanding beyond the capital, as demonstrated by our events in Mombasa and Nakuru this year. In 2025, we plan to reach more regions like Kisumu to ensure inclusivity. Our focus is on sensitization and training, as capacity-building is key to empowering our players,” Mamba said.
The Kisumu FC 2025 Esports Gaming Tournament promises an action-packed day of competition and entertainment, with organizers hopeful that it will set the stage for greater growth in esports across the region.
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