Amateur gamer Ngwai shines at inaugural Betika Esports Shutdown in Nairobi

Michael Ngwai clinched top gamer at the Betika Esports Shutdown Tournament. He walked away with Kshs. 500,000 and two-years worth of school fees.[Courtesy]

Amateur gamer Michael Ngwai from Mombasa is the winner of the inaugural Betika Esports Shutdown Tournament held in Nairobi on Sunday.

The peerless Gamer who went by the tag name 'Mcoasty' floored both amateur and professional contestants to lift the championship contested by over 1,100 players from around the country. The feat earned Ngwai Sh500,000 cash and two years’ worth of school fees.

Makuer Matur, who went by the tag name 'Makuer', clinched second place, receiving Sh 350,000.

Third placed gamer was Harry Thuku aka 'HarryKappa' who was awarded Sh 200,000 for his effort.

Additionally, cash prizes totaling Sh 250,000 were distributed among the finishers from fourth to tenth place.

“This is a pleasant surprise. Unlike traditional sports, esports provide amateurs with the opportunity to showcase their innate talent, often surprising professional players," Ngwai underlined.

"I have played with Makuer a few times online and I am happy I have finally met him outside of the internet. I strategized to observe and adapt to the techniques and game plan of my fellow gamers while maintaining a competitive pace. It’s game over once an opponent fully understands your playing style,” the third-year BCOM student at Mt. Kenya University added.

While hailing the showpiece for unearthing fresh talents like Ngwai,  Eric Mwiti, Senior Brand Manager at Betika reckoned: “We had a high number of amateur participation in the showdown. We encouraged players who are unable to afford a console of their own, to hone their skills by watching online tutorials and studying other contestants, hence the unimaginable upsets that were witnessed in the contest."

"We are dedicated to advancing the esports industry by organizing top-tier competitive events and providing exceptional entertainment for gaming enthusiasts countrywide. We are at the forefront of the esports revolution,” Mwiti added.

During the tournament, the sponsors not only offered substantial cash incentives but also enriched the experience by providing exclusive mentorship opportunities with both local and international esports professionals.

Among the esteemed mentors present at the tournament were Brian Otieno Diang'a, known as Thee Beast, who has been active in professional gaming since 2015, and Eugene Abuderby, a sports journalist and esports caster.

The sponsors, through their Corporate Social Responsibility wing, Betika Na Community, have injected approximately Sh 200 million in various sports initiatives this year.

This effort aims to support community development and empower youth by fostering talent in local sports at both grassroots and mainstream levels, in addition to promoting cultural and social community activities.