Kenya top seeded Esports gamer Joash Ogutu. [Courtesy,Rangers Sports]
Kenya one Ogutu upbeat ahead of East Africa E-Sports Tournament in Naivasha
Sports
By
Washington Onyango
| Jul 31, 2025
Naivasha will host the biggest e-sports event in the region, the EA Sports FC26 East Africa Tournament, bringing together more than 100 top gamers from Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond. The much-anticipated event will take place on October 19, at the Rangers Gaming Station.
Kenya’s top-ranked FIFA gamer Joash Ogutu, known by his alias Jojo Depay, will headline the event alongside fellow Kenyan star Samuel Oyier, aka Sam Cater.
“This is the platform we’ve been waiting for,” Ogutu said. “E-sports is going global, and East Africa must not be left behind. Commercializing it will help players like us earn a living doing what we love.”
“This is more than just a game—it’s a movement. The fact that we’re now seeing structured tournaments in East Africa shows how far we’ve come. E-sports is not just a hobby anymore; it’s a career path and a global business opportunity.”
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Tournament director and founder of Rangers ESports Caroline Nyambura, popularly known as Mama Selina, expressed her excitement ahead of the first edition of the event.
“E-sports is not just a game; it is a career path for young people,” Nyambura said. “We have worked hard to ensure this tournament sets the standard in East Africa. Preparations are 95% complete, and we are ready to give gamers an unforgettable experience.”
Nyambura also believes in the commercial potential of e-sports.
“Sports commercialization is the future. It creates opportunities for players and brings investors on board, which is exactly what we are pushing for with this event,” she added.
The tournament has received support from Mombasa Cement and gaming enthusiast Nilesh Gorasia, who has Rangers Gaming has been instrumental in nurturing local gaming talent.
“The future of sports is digital,” said Gorasia. “We are proud to support initiatives like this because they transform hobbies into professions for the youth.”
Rangers Gaming, founded by Nyambura and her partners Baba Selina and Simo Rangers, has grown into one of Kenya’s leading gaming outfits, providing a platform for aspiring gamers to compete and develop professionally.
The tournament, organized by Rangers Kenya in partnership with Mombasa Cement, Kili Games Tanzania, boasts a massive Sh280,000 prize pool. Winners will pocket cash prizes ranging from Sh90,000 for the champion to Sh5,000 for those finishing between 11th and 16th place. Registration fees have been set at Sh1,500
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