East African champion Dianga upbeat ahead of eSports Showdown in Nairobi

Six-time East African champion Brian ‘Thee Beast’ Dianga is among the players excited ahead of the Betika eSports Showdown slated for August 17-18, 2024 in Nairobi.

Over 1000 players are expected to grace the lucrative video game showpiece that has a total of Sh 1.5 Million cash prizes.

“I look forward to showcasing my skills at the tournament and competing with amateur gamers too. Their raw talent and determination can catch you by surprise, making for some truly exhilarating competition. I can't wait to see what these underdogs bring to the table, and I am ready to give it my all on every level,” Dianga told Standard Sports.

Dianga who grew up in the sprawling Kibera slums is among the players whose lives have been changed by the game.

He embraced the sport in 2013 and won his first tournament in 2015, where he clinched his national Fighting Game title to date. He proceeded to bag the East African crown in 2017 at the East African Gaming Convention, winning the title six times in a row.

Since then, Dianga has represented Kenya in many global forums including three times at the Afro-Arab League in Saudi Arabia, courtesy of an invitation from the Saudi Arabian prince, where he led the country to a second-place finish last year.

He is also the African Union edutainment gaming tester and the first Safaricom Baze Gaming Ambassador.

Ahead of the Betika eSports Showdown, Dianga is doing his home work well, revising all the skills and tricks in the book.

“Apart from playing, I will also be boosting other players to embrace the sport. My passion is to see the gaming community grow in Kenya,” Dianga said.

The tournament will feature competitive gameplay across popular titles such as EA Sports FC24, Mortal Kombat, Call of Duty Mobile and Tekken 8, the latter of which has gained more popularity in Kenya since its release in late January.

For the first time ever, the most skilled gamers and top tier teams from around the country will converge to compete in a two-day groundbreaking tournament that promises to set new standards in the esports arena.

The eSports Showdown tournament welcomes participants of all skill levels, with the goal of providing a competitive yet inclusive platform for gamers. Attendees and online viewers can expect cutting edge production with high-definition live streams, real-time analytics, and interactive viewing experiences. Fans will be treated to exclusive content, virtual meet and greets, behind-the-scenes footage and interactive fan zones, making this an event not to be missed.

There will be LAN parties and the finale will offer cash prizes of Sh25,000 for the winner, and Sh15,000 and Sh10,000 for the for the runner-up and second runner-up respectively.

For the national finals, the top prize will be Sh500,000. The second-place finisher will walk away with KESh350,000, and Sh200,000 for third place. Cash prizes totaling KES 250,000 will be divided among the fourth to tenth place finishers.

“We are beyond excited to launch our very first Esports Showdown. Our goal is to create an unforgettable experience for both players and fans, showcasing the very best in competitive gaming and esports entertainment.

“Through Betika Na Community, we have noticed that Kenya is an incubator for talented spirited gamers poised to influence the global eSports landscape significantly. 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, esports can become a very lucrative career,” said the Betika Kenya Group CEO and MD, Mutua Mutava.

The eSports industry in Kenya is experiencing rapid growth, with local gamers achieving notable success in international competitions. In 2023, Kenya witnessed remarkable growth in eSports, as is expected from a largely youthful population in a nation considered as tech capital of Africa.

Recent data suggests that the global eSports industry has reached a value exceeding $1 billion, drawing in substantial viewership worldwide. Kenya is positioned to become a significant participant in this rapidly growing sector, thanks to its tech-savvy youth and well-developed infrastructure.

During the tournament, Betika will not only provide generous cash incentives but also supplement the tournament with exclusive mentorship opportunities with experienced local and international eSports professionals. Participants can anticipate a well-organized tournament that follows international standards, guaranteeing a fair and competitive atmosphere for pro and amateur gamers.