What is E-Sports?
E-Sports, short for electronic sports, is organized competitive video gaming where professional players or teams compete in multiplayer video games, often in structured tournaments or leagues, for cash prizes and global recognition. These competitions span various genres, including strategy games like League of Legends , first-person shooters like Call of Duty , and sports simulations like EA FC 25 (FIFA) . E-Sports combines the excitement of traditional sports with digital innovation, attracting millions of spectators who watch live events in arenas or online via streaming platforms. With professional teams, sponsors, and massive prize pools, E-Sports has evolved into a billion-dollar industry rivaling traditional sports.
History of E-Sports
The roots of E-Sports trace back to the 1970s when arcade games like Space Invaders sparked competitive high-score contests. In 1972, Stanford University hosted one of the first recorded E-Sports events, an Intergalactic Spacewar competition. The 1980s and 1990s saw growth with arcade tournaments and the rise of PC gaming, particularly with games like StarCraft and Quake . The launch of StarCraft II and League of Legends in the early 2000s, coupled with the advent of live streaming on Twitch in 2011, marked a turning point, transforming E-Sports into a global spectacle. By the 2010s, tournaments like The International for Dota 2 and the League of Legends World Championship offered multimillion-dollar prize pools, drawing audiences larger than some traditional sports events. For instance, the 2016 League of Legends World Championship finals attracted 43 million viewers, surpassing the NBA Finals’ 31 million.
Global E-Sports Bodies and Their Efforts
Globally, several organizations oversee E-Sports, ensuring its growth and legitimacy. The International E-Sports Federation (IESF) , with over 140 member nations, promotes E-Sports as a recognized sport, supporting athletes and advocating for government recognition. The IESF organizes the World E-Sports Championship , fostering international competition. In South Korea, the Korean E-Sports Association (KeSPA) has been pivotal since the early 2000s, establishing professional standards and infrastructure, making South Korea a global E-Sports leader. These bodies work to standardize regulations, secure sponsorships, and integrate E-Sports into mainstream sports frameworks, such as the Olympic movement. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken steps toward this, announcing the inaugural Olympic E-Sports Games in 2025 in Saudi Arabia, signaling E-Sports’ growing legitimacy
E-Sports in Kenya: The Role of the Kenya
E-Sports Federation and Index G SportsIn Kenya, E-Sports is gaining momentum, driven by a tech-savvy youth population and increasing internet access. The Kenya E-Sports Federation (KESF) , launched in 2018, has been instrumental in elevating E-Sports’ profile. Officially recognized by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) in 2025, KESF aims to channel the passion of Kenyan youth into competitive platforms aligned with Olympic values. KESF organizes tournaments, such as its inaugural league with 16 teams, fostering local talent and increasing Kenya’s visibility in global competitions. The federation collaborates with entities like gaming giant AOC and the Ministry of Sports to enhance infrastructure and opportunities.
Index G Sports, a key player in Kenya’s E-Sports scene, focuses on developing the gaming ecosystem through tournaments and community engagement. It hosts events featuring popular titles like FIFA (EA FC 25), Call of Duty, and Tekken, offering cash prizes and international exposure. These tournaments attract participants from neighboring countries like Uganda and Tanzania, showcasing Kenya’s growing influence in East African E-Sports. In 2019, a Safaricom-sponsored tournament with Pro Series Gaming and Standard Group engaged 700 gamers across five Kenyan regions, highlighting the industry’s appeal to youth aged 18–26.
Kenyan players have also made strides internationally. Sylvia Gathoni, known as Queen Arrow , became Kenya’s first female professional E-Sports athlete, signed by global team UYU for her prowess in Tekken 7 . Ranked 13th in Kenya, she has competed abroad, inspiring more women to join the male-dominated industry. Another notable figure, Beast , hailing from Kibera, has grown the local scene by running gaming dens and competing in international tournaments. Kenya’s debut at the 2022 Global E-Sports Games in Istanbul saw eight players compete against global talent, marking a milestone for African E-Sports.
Tournaments and Cash Prizes in Kenya
Kenyan tournaments, particularly in FIFA (EA FC) , draw large crowds due to the game’s popularity among console gamers. Events organized by KESF and Index G Sports offer cash prizes ranging from Ksh10,000 to Ksh100,000. These tournaments provide a platform for local players to hone their skills and gain exposure, with some advancing to international competitions like the FIFA eWorld Cup . The League 1 EA Sports tournaments, focusing on FIFA , are particularly popular, attracting hundreds of participants and fostering a competitive culture that prepares players for global stages.
Famous Global E-Sports Players and Their Earnings
Globally, E-Sports stars have achieved fame and fortune. Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi , a German Dota 2 player, has earned over $5.3 million in prize money, with a net worth estimated at $6 million, bolstered by sponsorships. Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok , a South Korean League of Legends icon, has earned around $1.5 million in prizes, with a net worth of $4–5 million due to endorsements and streaming revenue. Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf , a 16-year-old American, won $3 million at the 2019 Fortnite World Cup , contributing to his estimated $4 million net worth. These figures highlight how prize pools, sponsorships, and streaming have made E-Sports a lucrative career.
E-Sports and the Olympic Push
The push for E-Sports to become an Olympic sport has gained traction. The IOC’s decision to host the Olympic E-Sports Games in 2025 reflects efforts to engage younger demographics. E-Sports was included as a demonstration event at the 2022 Asian Games, and its inclusion in the 2007 Asian Indoor Games set a precedent. While debates persist about whether E-Sports qualifies as a sport, its global audience (474 million in 2021) and competitive structure argue for its legitimacy. Critics argue it lacks physical exertion, but proponents compare it to sports like darts or snooker, emphasizing mental skill and strategy.
Gaming Industry Revenue: Surpassing Film, TV, and Music
In 2022, the global gaming industry generated $180 billion, outpacing the combined revenues of the film ($100 billion) and music ($26 billion) industries. E-Sports alone is projected to reach $1.86 billion by 2025, driven by sponsorships, advertising, media rights, and ticket sales. Streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Kick have been pivotal, enabling real-time fan engagement and monetization through ads, subscriptions, and donations. Twitch’s launch in 2011 revolutionized E-Sports by making live matches accessible globally, with 17.9 million hours watched in Q1 2018 alone. These platforms have turned players into influencers, amplifying the industry’s reach and revenue.
The Future of E-Sports and Its Potential
E-Sports’ future is bright, with projections estimating a market size of $2.07 billion by 2032. In Kenya, the industry is expected to grow to $9.9 million by 2029, fueled by mobile E-Sports like PUBG Mobile and increased sponsorships. Emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain-based gaming (e.g., NFTs) promise to enhance accessibility and engagement. Government recognition, such as NOC-K’s support for KESF, could lead to structured leagues and policies, positioning Kenya as a regional E-Sports hub. Globally, the integration of AI and advanced analytics will refine player strategies, while growing viewership (projected to hit 640 million by 2025) will attract more investment.
Key Facts
– Global Reach : E-Sports had a 474 million audience in 2021, with 380 million viewers in 2018, surpassing many traditional sports.
– Kenya’s Ranking : Kenya ranks 127th globally and 12th in Africa for E-Sports earnings, with a market worth $55 million in 2023.
– Women in E-Sports : Female players like Queen Arrow face challenges but are breaking barriers, with initiatives like GIRLGAMER E-Sports Festival promoting inclusion.
– Economic Impact : E-Sports’ economic potential in Africa is vast, with Kenya poised to lead East Africa due to its youthful population and tech adoption.
E-Sports is no longer a niche hobby but a global phenomenon with immense potential. In Kenya, organizations like KESF and Index G Sports are building a vibrant ecosystem, nurturing talent, and hosting tournaments that propel players onto the world stage. As technology advances and global recognition grows, E-Sports is set to redefine entertainment and competition, offering opportunities for players, creators, and investors alike. With its inclusion in the Olympic framework and a revenue stream surpassing traditional media, E-Sports is not just the future—it’s the present.Read more stories on SportsBiz KenyaFollow us on Instagram, Facebook , X(Twitter), YouTube and our WhatsApp Channel.All our links
