As Africa is projected to house the fastest-growing gaming population, with Nigeria expected to have the highest deposit of gamers in Africa and the world by 2027, the city of Abuja is embracing the Esports frenzy with open arms.
The first edition of Game Fest 25 at Turf Arena Wuse over the weekend has attracted gamers from across the city, showcasing the growing popularity of Esports in the region.
With the global Esports industry valued at over $2.5 billion, the event is a testament to the growing recognition of Esports as a legitimate sport.
The Game Fest 25 organizer, Adeleke Joel, noted that despite the lack of sponsors and partnerships, the event has received an excellent response from the gaming community.
“We are trying to bring that frenzy to the Abuja community… The reception has been excellent, and the turnout was massive,” Joel said.
“Convincing gamers to participate is a significant hurdle, given their often introverted nature – it takes a lot of convincing to get them out of their comfort zones.
“Among the most thrilling games are EA Sports, Mortal Kombat, and especially the Car Race, which exceeds typical expectations with its F1-level quality,” he said.
Persecondnews recalls that the Esports Federation of Nigeria made a significant impact at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, showcasing the potential of Esports to drive Nigeria’s sports economy.
According to Damilola Pedro, Chief Operating Officer of the Federation, the video game industry is worth over $180 billion, surpassing the combined value of the film and music industries.
“With over 3.3 billion people playing games globally, Africa is projected to house the fastest-growing gaming population, and Nigeria is expected to have the highest deposit of gamers in Africa and the world by 2027,” Pedro said.
The Esports Federation’s debut at the festival marked a significant milestone in the growth of Esports in Nigeria.
As the global gaming community continues to grow, Nigeria is poised to play a major role in the industry’s development.
With its massive gaming population and growing Esports scene, the country is expected to generate significant revenue from the industry in the coming years.
The success of Game Fest 25 and the Esports Federation’s debut at the National Sports Festival signalled a new era for Esports in the country.
As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is expected to provide new opportunities for gamers, entrepreneurs, and investors alike.
Leave a comment