Home competition discipline Get set for rAge Expo 2024: a celebration of African gaming, eSports,...

Get set for rAge Expo 2024: a celebration of African gaming, eSports, and innovation

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Taking place from November 29 to December 1 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, just a stone’s throw away from the FNB Stadium, the event will host two marquee competitions.

Sylvia Gathoni Wahome, “The QueenArrow” from Kenya. Picture: Supplied

The stage is set for rAge 2024, a weekend that promises to blend high-octane eSports competitions with groundbreaking conversations about the future of gaming and entrepreneurship in Africa.

Taking place from November 29 to December 1 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, just a stone’s throw away from the FNB Stadium, the event will host two marquee competitions: the Mamelodi Sundowns Esports Championship and the Mzansi Esports Champions 2024, featuring the Queen Arrow Invitational.

In collaboration with Mettlestate, the Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club brings the third iteration of its eSports championship to rAge.

The competition will see South Africa’s top eight EA FC 25 players vie for a share of the R200,000 prize pool. Adding an electrifying twist, two wild card entries from the Kasi-Flare Tournamentz – a grassroots gaming initiative in Gauteng – will join the finals for an unforgettable showdown.

“This partnership showcases the intersection of sports, gaming, and community,” says Michael James, Project Director at rAge. “We’re thrilled to host this high-stakes competition, which perfectly embodies our mission to bring the best of gaming and eSports to our audience.”

For those who can’t make it to the expo, the action will be streamed live on Mettlestate’s Twitch channel.

In partnership with SAGES, the Mzansi Esports Champions 2024 shines a spotlight on African talent, inclusivity, and entrepreneurship. The three-day event is packed with opportunities to connect, compete, and celebrate the power of gaming in Africa.

On Friday, November 29, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals will converge to explore the future of eSports in Africa. Panel discussions and networking sessions will cover topics such as: Entrepreneurship in African Esports: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities; Female Leadership in Gaming: Elevating women’s voices in the industry and Cross-Continental Collaboration: Building bridges between African and global eSports markets.

This dynamic exchange of ideas aims to empower the next generation of gaming entrepreneurs while fostering gender diversity and collaboration.

The spotlight turns to Tekken 8 on Saturday and Sunday with the Queen Arrow Invitational, a 100% female competition that will feature eight elite players from across Africa: Zahraa “Iron Fist” (South Africa), Setsabile Shabangu (Eswatini), Safidy Mahaliana Andrianisoa “Sentaku” (Madagascar), Bwalia Nkumbula (Zambia), Asante Tisungani Maruwasa (Namibia), Thebe Liteboho “EL” (Lesotho), Sylvia Gathoni Wahome, “The QueenArrow” (Kenya), Matimbe Gweyneth Edina “Gwyn Stacy” (Malawi)

Hosted by Sylvia “TheQueenArrow” Wahome, a trailblazer in Kenyan eSports, this tournament underscores the immense talent and diversity in African gaming.

rAge 2024 is more than just a gaming expo – it’s a celebration of African culture, talent, and innovation. By intertwining competition with entrepreneurship, it sets a new benchmark for inclusivity and growth in the eSports industry.

“These elements ensure there’s something for everyone – whether you’re here to watch top-tier eSports, connect with industry leaders, or soak in the vibrant gaming atmosphere,” says James. “We’re excited to see how these competitions and discussions inspire our community and contribute to the growth of eSports in Africa.”

With something for players, entrepreneurs, and fans alike, rAge 2024 is the ultimate destination for gaming enthusiasts this November.

Visit the expo live or stream select events to be part of the action.

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