Kisumu Showcases Kenya's Growing Esports Talent

KISUMU, KENYA – The burgeoning Kenyan esports scene was on full display this past weekend as the Kenya Esports Lake Series, a critical stage of the national circuit, concluded on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Alliance Française in Kisumu. The event saw elite gamers Kisingo Bashir, Brian Shisia, and Lincoln Ewoi emerge victorious in their respective categories, securing coveted spots in the grand National Finals. The tournament is a key part of the broader Kenya Esports Series 2025, an ambitious nationwide tour organized by the Esports Kenya Federation (ESKF) to unearth and nurture talent beyond the capital.

Bashir's Unstoppable Run in EA FC 26

The highlight of the event was the EA FC 26 competition, where Kisingo Bashir, known in the gaming community simply as Bashir, delivered a masterful performance. He secured the title with a decisive 6–3 victory in a thrilling final against Allan Mwinami (Opto99). Bashir's path to victory included a significant semifinal win against local favorite James Awinyo, also known as Dulo. Dulo later clinched the third-place position by defeating Joash Agutu (Jojodapey) 4–3. The top five finishers from this category—Bashir, Opto99, Dulo, Jojodapey, and Leone Mwaura (Marlone77)—have all qualified for the national finals.

Shisia and Ewoi Conquer Mobile Gaming Categories

In the mobile gaming arenas, Brian Shisia demonstrated remarkable consistency to win the FC Mobile tournament, while Lincoln Ewoi commanded the eFootball Mobile division. Shisia's calm and collected playstyle saw him rise to the top, followed by David Ochiel in second place. Ewoi's strategic dominance earned him the top spot in his category after a competitive final against David Kipngetich. These victories underscore the massive growth and talent pool in Kenya's mobile gaming sector, which forms a significant part of the nation's digital economy.

A National Push for Esports Recognition

The Kisumu event is the latest in a series of regional qualifiers held in Nakuru and Eldoret, with upcoming stops planned for Mombasa and Nairobi. According to Esports Kenya Federation President Ronny Lusigi, the series is a cornerstone of the federation's strategy to develop grassroots talent and professionalize the sport. "This is a pivotal moment for Kenyan esports. We are committed to reaching grassroots players beyond the capital and discovering fresh talent from across the country," Lusigi stated during the series launch in September 2025. The initiative also includes capacity-building programs like referee training to strengthen the ecosystem.

The grand finale of the Kenya Esports Series is scheduled to take place in Nairobi on Jamhuri Day, December 12, 2025. The winners of the national finals will earn the chance to represent Kenya in prestigious international tournaments, including the Global Esports Games.

Kenya's Booming Digital Arena

The intense competition in Kisumu reflects the rapid expansion of Kenya's esports market. A recent Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook 2025-2029 report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) highlighted Kenya as a key growth market in Africa. The report noted that Kenya's gaming revenue reached an estimated $153 million in 2024, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% through 2029. This growth is fueled by increasing smartphone penetration and a large, tech-savvy youth population. The success of tournaments like the Kenya Esports Series is poised to further accelerate this trend, solidifying Kenya's position as a major player in the global digital sports landscape.