Sylvia Gathoni Wahome, known to the gaming world as Queen Arrow, is set to represent Kenya at the prestigious Mzansi Esports Champions 2024.
Held during the rAge Expo in Johannesburg from November 30 to December 1, the event is a beacon for Africa’s burgeoning female esports scene.
Widely regarded as a pioneer in African esports, Queen Arrow is no stranger to breaking barriers.
She has earned recognition as the “godmother” of the Tekken Africa Queens Challenge, the marquee event of the championship.
This groundbreaking initiative, supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), aims to elevate female talent in esports while fostering inclusivity and empowerment in the gaming industry.
Competing against seven other top players from across the continent, Queen Arrow will vie for the $2,500 (KSh.323.7K) prize pool, with the champion earning $1,000 (KSh.129.5K).
The tournament’s matches will follow a double-elimination format, streamed live on Twitch and YouTube, ensuring global visibility.
Beyond the competition, the event highlights discussions on entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment within the gaming industry.
This initiative, spearheaded by SAGES Africa, underscores the organisation’s commitment to building a robust African esports ecosystem and advancing the role of women in gaming.
“We are determined to create an environment where African esports talent can thrive and compete at the global level,” said Désiré Koussawo, President of SAGES Africa.
“Through strategic partnerships like the one established with the Institut français, we are ensuring that Africa becomes an essential player in the global esports ecosystem.”
While French Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, His Excellency David Martinon added that it was an opportunity to showcase Africa’s creativity.
“Esports has immense potential in Africa, offering a dynamic platform to showcase the region’s creativity and digital innovation.
As the industry continues to grow, it also presents a vital opportunity to empower female players, creating a more inclusive and representative future in esports.
We are proud to support this initiative, partnering with SAGES Africa to champion women in esports and to strengthen our collaborative efforts across the continent.”
