Kisumu gears up for e-sports revolution with 2025 gaming tournament

The Manyatta Slums in Kisumu County are gearing up for an electrifying showdown as the Kisumu FC 2025 Esports Gaming Tournament takes centre stage on December 21 at the iconic House of Pain venue.

The tournament has attracted close to 100 gamers, with organizers expecting even more participants to register in the coming days. Tournament Director Kevin Wambua revealed that over 20 players from the Nyanza and Western regions have confirmed their participation.

The event aims to highlight gaming talent and take a bold step toward commercializing esports in Kisumu and elevating it to a professional level.

“This tournament is about more than just playing games; it’s about creating a platform to grow and commercialize esports in Kisumu,” Wambua stated.

“We have worked tirelessly to ensure the event is a success, from securing the right equipment to organizing a competitive yet inclusive environment. However, to make this a game-changer, we need more sponsors to come on board and help us unlock the full potential of esports in the region.”

Wambua called on stakeholders and corporates to support the initiative, emphasizing the untapped economic potential of esports in Kenya.

“Gaming is a multibillion-dollar industry that has yet to be fully tapped in this region. With the right partnerships, we can create countless opportunities for young people and position Kisumu as a hub for esports development,” he said.

The tournament will feature some of Kisumu’s top gaming talents, including household usernames like Vokhe Mbweha, Cliff Terminator, Kevo Oppo aka Chiang Chiang, Vanty aka Glich, Raul, and Nigerian competitor King Karamor.

Other notable names set to light up the stage include George the Terminator’s Terminator, Speet, Bongez CK, Babab Voss, Kratos, Shaddy, Edmon the Constitution, Dr. Ezra, Okeyo Scamidoz, Arno Polite, and JaSigana.

Fan favourite Kevo Oppo, widely known as Chiang Chiang, expressed his excitement about the tournament and shared his preparation journey.

“This is the perfect way to end the year. I’ve been training daily, sharpening my strategies, and fine-tuning my skills. The competition will be tough, but I’m ready to show everyone what Kisumu gamers are capable of,” said Kevo.

While excitement builds for the event, Wambua criticized the Esports Federation of Kenya (EFK) for neglecting regions like Nyanza and Western, claiming the focus remains centred on Nairobi.

“Our gamers here in Kisumu are just as talented as those in Nairobi, yet we’ve been sidelined. We need the federation to recognize and support gamers from all parts of the country,” Wambua remarked.

In response, Esports Federation of Kenya President Ronny Mamba commended the efforts of organizers in Kisumu while reaffirming the federation’s commitment to expanding Esports nationwide.

“Esports Kenya appreciates the great efforts that several video gaming communities are putting in to organize competitions, which contribute immensely to the growth of Esports in the country. As a new federation, we are actively and steadily expanding beyond the capital city, as seen in Mombasa and Nakuru this year. In 2025, we plan to reach more regions like Kisumu to ensure inclusivity. Our key focus is on sensitization and training because building capacity is how we will empower our players,” Mamba said.

The Kisumu FC 2025 Esports Gaming Tournament promises an action-packed day of competition and entertainment, with organizers optimistic that it will pave the way for greater growth in esports across the region.