The sound of cheering gamers and flashing screens filled Nairobi’s City Hall on Thursday as the city became the launchpad for the first-ever PUBG Mobile Africa Esports Championship.
Deputy Governor James Muchiri presided over the ceremony, calling the event more than just a tournament. He described it as a moment for Nairobi to stake its claim as Africa’s gaming capital. “This is good for our youth,” he said, “because it will give them an opportunity to make a living, to learn new skills, to meet new people, and to build relationships not just in Nairobi or Kenya, but across Africa.”
The championship, which will feature 16 elite teams from across the continent, is offering a prize pool of $8,000. The winners will also earn a coveted spot at the PUBG Mobile Global Championship later this year. The finals are scheduled for 13–14 September at Charter Hall in Nairobi.
Ronny Lusigi, president of Esports Kenya, said the launch was a milestone for the country’s fast-growing digital sports community. “It just shows you that esports is taking root here,” he said. “Nairobi is the best place to do this. We have the best connections compared to our peers in the region.”
Officials from the Nairobi County government pledged to support the venture. The Chief Officer for Digital Economy and Start-ups and the CECM for Innovation and Digital Economy both promised closer cooperation with private partners to grow the city’s esports ecosystem.
Infinix Kenya, the event’s official gaming phone sponsor, used the occasion to unveil its latest high-performance devices, designed to meet the demands of professional gamers. The company’s representatives said equipping players with the right tools was key to raising Africa’s profile on the global stage.
The launch also marked a broader ambition: positioning esports as part of Kenya’s digital economy. Muchiri underlined that message, framing gaming not only as entertainment but also as business.
For fans, though, the focus will remain firmly on the players. Sixteen teams, from across a continent with a fast-rising gaming culture, will face off this weekend in Nairobi’s first major esports final.
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