The biggest esports events in Africa

Internet availability has propelled the growth of esports across the world. Over the decade, competitions were confined to an arcade. Today tournaments have taken center stage at significant arenas, and streaming has made fans watch and wager for their favorite teams. Nobody would have thought that competitive gaming would blow the roof someday.

Some esports events have attracted crowds, especially in Africa, with new names from Kenya, South Africa, and more countries making headlines. The gaming sector has ventured into Africa, and more tournaments are held occasionally. Competitors walk home with a bag of money after proving their competence. 

League of Legends

League of Legends, a free multiplayer online battle arena, is a popular esport title not only in Africa but across the world. The strategic game requires two teams to compete against each other on a map sketched like an arena and take each other’s base. Competitions are usually played on 5v5 maps, where the map is divided into two.

Each team has its territory within the main structure. The popular esports is organized by the developer of the League of Legends. The game lasts about 15 to 60 minutes. The game runs for two seasons every year, and the tournament is composed of 10 teams. Africa is embracing these tournaments and Egypt is one of the countries that participate, and its government has started supporting its team after finding out about its popularity.

Dota 2

This is another MMO that demands real-time strategy, created by Valve. League of Legends and Dota 2 are similar in their game mechanics as players have to dominate the opponent’s base to win. Nonetheless, Dota 2 is slightly different as it has various playable characters making it more tactical and less centered in one feeling. In addition, it has a place in Africa due to its diverse aspect. The game has over a hundred heroes that make it interesting and dynamic. The game is played in teams of five and takes around 15-60 minutes. However, for a team to be eliminated in a double knockout, it has to lose twice.

Call of Duty

Call of Duty Championships have some roots in Africa. The game has attracted a considerable following, especially after it announced its prizes worth $2 million. The event is held online and broadcasted on Call of Duty mobile YouTube and Twitch channels. More teams were added this year to compete for each region. Activision produced the professional esports video game series. The game follows the Overwatch League model through permanent, city-based teams backed by separate ownership teams. Rather than using promotions and relegations, the tournament uses a point system and playoffs format. Players are assured of annual salary, promotions, and a portion of revenue sharing based on how a team performs.

Online casinos have embraced video gaming and Call of Duty is one of the games that is loved by Africans. However, most Africans are yet to fully embrace esports betting and those who wish to try their luck prefer the traditional games. Luckily those who want to play games online can always rely on expert reviews of various games and casinos to ensure they land on reputable sites before they try their luck.

ESL Intel Extreme Masters

The tournament was rolled out in 2007 and has grown popular ever since. Every season Intel Extreme Masters hosts a Championship where winners walk away with a lucrative prize. The series of international esports tournaments are held not only in Africa but also in other countries across the world. 

The game has captured the attention of African gamers after being the most extended world pro gaming tour in the world. The tournament features the world’s best gamers in Counter-strike, Global offensive StarCraft II, and other esports titles. With no doubt that IEM is one of the most prestigious and traditional events across the world.

Evolution Championship Series

Commonly known as EVO, this is regarded as the most storied fighting video game event of the year. The tournament uses the double format elimination format and is completely open for players to prove their skills in games like Super Smash Bros., Street Fighter, and Marvel vs. Capcom. Contestants travel all over the world to compete. Over the years, the tournaments have drawn huge crowds from various countries. The event is jointly owned by the Sony Interactive Entertainment and Endeavor esports venture RTS.

Despite a few challenges in Africa, esports is well cultivated in the continent. Tournaments have continuously drawn fans from all over the continent. With measures to increase the speed of the internet, esports in Africa will blow the roof.