The Lagos State Sports Commission has lent its full support to the upcoming fourth edition of the Gamr X Africa Esports championship, set to take place today (Friday) in Lagos.
Gamers from nine different African nations are gearing up to battle for a combined prize pot of N15 million at the tournament, which will unfold at the Landmark Event Centre, starting at noon.
During a press briefing held on Thursday at the commission’s headquarters, Director-General Lekan Fatodu emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “This event presents an opportunity for the government to tap into the huge market of E-sports.”
The countries slated to participate include Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Mozambique, Cameroon, the Benin Republic, the Ivory Coast, South Africa, and host nation Nigeria.
Gamr’s co-founder and head of partnerships, Damilola Pedro, revealed that competitors will be vying for top positions in six major titles—Street Fighter, EA FC 25, Fortnite, Mortal Kombat, PUBG, and Call of Duty Mobile.
Pedro noted, “This year and for other editions to come, there are certain things that we are trying to make different. To ensure that inclusion cuts across what we do and ensures that the specially abled are included in what we do.”
She further explained the tournament’s push for more female participation in a space historically dominated by men. “There is a social belief that only men play games. But fortunately, we are lucky to be part of the generation where women do what men do and do it well.”
Pedro also revealed future plans to take the Gamr X Africa tournament on a continental tour, evolving the initiative into an international esports brand with Nigerian roots. She urged parents to view gaming not as a distraction but as a viable career path for their children.
Fatodu added that the Lagos State government will be contributing to the success of the event by providing support in the areas of transportation, performance tracking, and talent discovery.
He emphasized that the government is expanding beyond conventional sports, stating, “Our (Lagos government) fixation is not traditional sports like football, boxing and table tennis. We know that it is important for us to open new space and new opportunities for people with sporting interests that are not familiar to us.”
