• ESPORTS

• Sportsbeat Correspondent 5 months ago

Rangers Gaming unites East Africa through eSports at thrilling FC 26 tournament

Naivasha’s Rangers Gaming has firmly stamped its authority as a game-changer in Kenya’s fast-growing eSports scene following the successful hosting of the FC 26 East Africa Biggest Tournament, which attracted 112 gamers from Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

The thrilling competition, held over the weekend, brought together some of the best FIFA players in the region, marking another major milestone for the budding gaming community.

The highlight of the tournament came in the grand final, where Trex edged out Fox in the Box 2-1 in a gripping best-of-three showdown to claim the title and a cash prize of Sh90,000.

The overall prize pool stood at Sh280,000, making it one of the richest and most competitive eSports events ever organized in Kenya. Trex’s skill, composure, and tactical brilliance made him a crowd favorite as he lifted the winner’s trophy amid cheers from fellow gamers and fans.

Behind the successful event was Rangers Gaming’s eSports Director and Tournament Organizer, Caroline Nyambura, fondly known in the gaming circles as Mama Selina.

Nyambura expressed her pride in how far the tournament has come, saying the passion and talent among young gamers prove that Kenya is ready to take eSports seriously.

“The energy and competitiveness we witnessed here show that eSports in Kenya has a bright future,” Nyambura said. “We started this journey to give players a platform to showcase their skills, and seeing over 100 participants from four countries is proof that the dream is becoming a reality.”

She thanked sponsors for their unwavering support, singling out Mombasa Cement for leading the way in making the event possible. “I want to sincerely thank all our sponsors, especially Mombasa Cement, for believing in this vision,” she added.

“Their support has given these young gamers hope and a chance to shine. I urge them and others to continue walking this journey with us because we are building something truly transformative for Kenyan youth.”

The tournament was backed by several partners including Mombasa Cement, Oscar Scartek, Nilesh Gorasia, Dillan Mandalia, Sokev Studio Branding, Simon Seda 3D Entertainments, and Kili Games Tanzania.

Their involvement helped create a professional atmosphere that mirrored international gaming events, with high-quality branding, live commentary, and a competitive setup that impressed both players and spectators.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Mombasa Cement’s Nilesh Gorasia emphasized the importance of investing in eSports as part of youth empowerment.

“The gaming industry is a global multi-billion-dollar sector, and Kenya has the talent to be part of that growth,” Gorasia said. “Our support for this tournament is about giving young people a platform to earn from their passion and develop professional skills in technology, competition, and creativity.”

Dillan Mandalia, whose company Fulchand & Manek Brothers provided the tournament jerseys, echoed the sentiment, saying their involvement was driven by a belief in the potential of eSports to inspire and unite youth.

“We are proud to be part of something that celebrates talent, discipline, and innovation,” he said. “These players are pioneers of a new generation of Kenyan athletes who compete with their minds and reflexes, not just muscles.”

The tournament’s top 16 players featured an impressive lineup of regional talent. Besides winner Trex and runner-up Fox in the Box, the top performers included Ceaser, Makuér, Mcoasty, Prorate, Haruun Haruun, Osumo Craze, Atak, Kora, Lord 7, Shaq, Ahmed 26, Ibrah, Lil Pip, and Wayne.

For Rangers Gaming, the success of the FC 26 East Africa Biggest Tournament is more than just an event—it’s a statement of intent.

From a quiet town in Naivasha, the organization is showing that Kenya can be at the heart of Africa’s eSports revolution. As the controllers click and the screens light up, the message is clear: the future of gaming in Kenya has already begun, and Rangers Gaming is leading the way.