The 13th African Games in Ghana are poised to create history by featuring esports as a demonstration sport, marking a crucial milestone in the evolution of the continent’s sporting landscape. Esports, or electronic sports, has witnessed exponential growth in global popularity, and its inclusion in prestigious events like the African Games underscores its emergence as a mainstream form of competition. This development not only acknowledges the cultural shift in sports but also opens up new avenues for diverse talent and opportunities within the gaming industry.
With the burgeoning presence of esports in Africa, it will, for the first time, join the ranks alongside titles such as mixed martial arts, pickleball, sambo, scrabble, and speedball. As a demonstration sport, esports will serve as a platform to promote its existence and raise awareness within the African sporting ecosystem but will not be part of the standard medal competitions.
The competition will bring together elite gamers from Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and the host country, Ghana. These participants will engage in intense battles in eFootball 2024 and Street Fighter 6.
Scheduled from March 8th to 24th, the 13th African Games will feature esports from the 15th to the 17th.
In a statement from Igor Boumekpo, the President of the Ghana Esports Federation, he expressed his excitement, stating, “It is an honor to host Africa’s finest esports talents in Ghana. The decision to include esports as a demonstration sport at the 13th African Games in Ghana is a testament to the evolving nature of sports and the recognition of the significance of gaming in contemporary culture. This exposure can pave the way for future international participation and recognition, contributing to the growth and development of esports in Africa.”
