Praise Steven Nyamwasa will lead Rwanda’s four-player team at the SportsBiz Africa (SBA) Esports Cup after winning the national EA SPORTS FC 26 championship at BK Arena on Sunday, August 23. Nyamwasa defeated Sami Muhamedssin Mohamednour Atta 4-2 in the final to claim the Rwf1 million top prize and secure his place at the continental championship, which will be held in Kigali from September 12-13. Atta, Tresor Irasubiza and Franklin Gacinya also earned tickets to the continental tournament after reaching the semi-finals. ALSO READ: Munezero wins Rwanda eFootball title, earns continental ticket The national tournament attracted 20 players, with the field reduced through knockout rounds to eight quarter-finalists and then four semi-finalists. All four semi-finalists, regardless of their final positions, secured Rwanda’s qualifying spots for the continental competition. The second edition of the SBA Esports Cup is expected to bring together 32 players from Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, Madagascar, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt and Morocco. The continental EA SPORTS FC tournament will feature a US$10,000 prize pool. ALSO READ: Kigali to host Esports Qualifiers for SportsBiz Africa eSports Cup For Nyamwasa, the qualification offers an opportunity to improve on his fourth-place finish at last year’s tournament, when he was Rwanda’s sole representative. “Last time I went alone, now I’m going with four companions, and I believe they’re going to do better,” Nyamwasa said. He said competing internationally for the first time last year provided valuable experience and that he expects to be better prepared this time around. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m not going to promise a specific position, but I’m going to give my best, give my all to present Rwanda in the best way possible.” ALSO READ: Can esports become a career, not just a passion? Atta, Irasubiza and Gacinya also earned prize money, receiving Rwf500,000, Rwf300,000 and Rwf200,000 respectively, in addition to securing qualification for the continental tournament. Gacinya said representing Rwanda was a source of pride and an opportunity to raise the country’s profile in esports. He plans to prepare through regular online and offline practice, including training with friends at an esports gaming room at his school. SportsBiz Africa project lead Bridget Mutoni said the competition aims to give African gamers greater exposure while highlighting opportunities beyond competitive gaming. “Esports and gaming have become a huge industry,” Mutoni said, pointing to opportunities in event organisation, commentary, refereeing, game development and education. Nyamwasa, however, believes Rwanda’s esports ecosystem still needs greater investment and more regular competitions. He said he had participated in only three tournaments over the past year, compared with countries where players can compete almost every month. “We need investments, we need people to trust in the talents that we have,” he said.
