Excited cheers of “Press A! Press A!” echoed through the hall as gamers battled on a giant screen during the Swahili Esports Tournament, a regional competition that brought together top players from across East Africa.
Held in Kampala at the creative hub MoTIV, the event was part of the DigiArt Fest and attracted about 400 spectators and gaming enthusiasts. The tournament was organized by Gamer Girls Uganda in partnership with Alliance Française and Arudem, celebrating competitive gaming, anime culture, and digital creativity.
At the center of the venue was a stage surrounded by fans, with two gaming consoles connected to a massive screen that displayed every punch, kick, and combo from the iconic fighting game Tekken. Around the hall, about 20 additional gaming stations allowed visitors to try out games while the main competition took place on stage.
Regional Competition
The tournament featured seven teams representing several East African and regional countries, including Uganda, South Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Madagascar.
Uganda’s hopes rested on local gamer Coco, who faced fierce competition from regional players. One standout competitor was Ethiopia’s Lalu, who dominated several early matches with a powerful performance that eliminated multiple opponents—including Uganda’s Coco.
However, the tournament took a dramatic turn when Kenya’s Bambina, using the character Jin, defeated Lalu in an intense match that electrified the crowd. The spectators erupted in excitement as Bambina delivered the decisive knockout blow.
A Festival of Gaming and Anime
Beyond the main tournament, DigiArt Fest resembled a mini pop-culture convention. Cosplayers dressed as characters from popular anime series roamed the venue, including figures inspired by The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, Demon Slayer, My Neighbor Totoro, and Darling in the Franxx.
Merchandise stalls sold collectible figurines, stickers, replica swords, and model cars, adding to the vibrant festival atmosphere.
One unique attraction was a craftsman known as Mtoto, who displayed handmade board games designed to challenge players’ strategic thinking. Despite their simple appearance, the puzzles quickly drew crowds of adults eager to test their reflexes and problem-solving skills.
Mtoto explained that he also uses these games in corporate mental health sessions, where they help encourage teamwork, confidence, and engagement.
The Final Showdown
The tournament’s final match saw Madagascar’s Nioh face Kenya’s Bambina in a high-stakes battle. Nioh used the character Asuka, whose agile fighting style allowed her to counter Jin’s powerful strikes.
The fight kept the audience on edge as both characters traded blows under the glowing “rage” effects that appear in the game’s final rounds. When the decisive hit landed, the screen slowed dramatically and the iconic “K.O.” signaled the end of the match.
Nioh emerged as the champion, securing the $1,000 grand prize. Kenya’s Bambina finished second with $500, while Ethiopia’s Lalu took third place with $300. Somalia’s Timax came fourth, earning $200.
A separate Formula One gaming competition was also held during the event, with the winner taking home a prize of 500,000 Ugandan shillings.
Growing Esports Culture in East Africa
Events like the Swahili Esports Tournament highlight the rapid growth of esports culture across East Africa. Gaming communities are increasingly organizing regional competitions that attract players and fans alike.
For many attendees, however, the tournament was about more than just prizes. It was a chance for gamers, anime fans, and digital creators to gather, share their passion, and celebrate the evolving gaming culture in the region.
