A New Frontier for Kenyan Sports

The Esports Kenya Federation (ESKF) has secured a significant KES 500,000 sponsorship from sports company 82 Sports for the second edition of the Kenya Phygital Cup. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Jamhuri Primary School Astro Turf Grounds in Nairobi. This partnership marks a critical investment in one of the country's fastest-growing niche sporting sectors and provides a crucial pathway for Kenyan talent to compete on the international stage.

The champions of the tournament will receive a KES 70,000 prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Kenya at the prestigious Games of the Future tournament in Astana, Kazakhstan. The runners-up are set to receive KES 30,000. This year's event builds on the foundation of the inaugural tournament held in January 2025, whose winners represented Kenya in Abu Dhabi in July and reached the quarterfinals.

Understanding 'Phygital': The Global Context

Phygital sport is an innovative hybrid format that combines traditional physical sports with their digital esports counterparts. In the Kenya Phygital Cup's football discipline, for example, teams will first compete in a 5-a-side physical match before transitioning to a video game on the PlayStation 5. The winner is determined by the aggregate score from both the physical and digital rounds, demanding a unique blend of athletic prowess and gaming skill.

This concept is gaining global traction as a way to bridge the gap between traditional athletes and the digital generation. Major international events like the 'Games of the Future' showcase a wide array of phygital disciplines, including basketball, racing, and fighting, alongside traditional esports. By embracing this format, Kenya aligns itself with a global movement that merges athleticism with technological innovation.

Investment in a High-Growth Sector

The sponsorship from 82 Sports, a company focused on grassroots talent development, signals growing corporate confidence in the Kenyan esports market. Joash Okuto, CEO of 82 Sports, stated on Monday, November 10, 2025, that the partnership aligns with the company's vision of supporting innovative sporting experiences that engage youth. "We believe the future of sports lies in innovation and inclusivity," Okuto said. "The Phygital football embodies that balance perfectly."

Esports Kenya Federation President Ronny Lusigi welcomed the sponsorship as a milestone, noting that it demonstrates growing trust in the federation's governance. "Their support demonstrates growing confidence in our federation, as potential partners can be assured of transparency, accountability, and a return on investment," Lusigi stated.

The Kenyan gaming market is part of a booming continental industry. According to a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report, Kenya's gaming sector generated US$153 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.9%. This growth is fueled by high internet penetration and a large, tech-savvy youth population.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite its rapid growth, the Kenyan esports scene faces challenges, including the high cost of equipment and a lack of dedicated gaming arenas. However, the government has signaled its support for the sector. In March 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi affirmed the government's commitment to fostering an environment where digital talent can thrive, viewing esports as a key part of the digital economy. This official backing, combined with private sector investment, is crucial for professionalizing the industry.

For players like Leone Mwaura, who represented Kenya in Abu Dhabi, the opportunity to compete globally is transformative. "Playing in Abu Dhabi on the global stage was amazing. Competing both physically and digitally tested our teamwork and adaptability," Mwaura said. The upcoming Kenya Phygital Cup, supported by 82 Sports, will provide a platform for the next wave of Kenyan talent to follow in those footsteps. Registration is open for the first 16 teams to sign up via the federation's digital platforms.