There was a buzz of excitement at the Nakuru Old Town Hall on Saturday as it hosted the Kenya E-Sports Series, Nakuru Edition. The event attracted gamers from across Nakuru and a few from Nairobi.

Although the competition was scheduled to start at 9am, it was delayed as setting up took longer than expected. The action finally began at around 11am, after the organisers had briefed the participants on the rules and format of play.

Players took turns competing on seven large screens set up on the stage; each battle drew loud cheers from the audience. Coaches stood behind their players, offering words of encouragement and quick tactical advice. Spectators followed every move closely, rallying behind their favourites as the tension in the hall mounted.

As the eliminations began, the competition became increasingly fierce. Players were knocked out one by one, making way for new contenders. One of the most notable dynamics was the strong camaraderie among the female players, who supported each other as they competed against male opponents.

As only three women participated and were eliminated early, the organisers decided to introduce a ladies' category, giving them a chance to compete amongst themselves.

Abraham Odhiambo aka Fab lifted by fans after winning the Kenya E Sports Series Nakuru Edition on October 4, 2025.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/Mtaa Wangu

In a thrilling finale, Abraham Odhiambo, also known as Fab, emerged as the champion after a close 4–3 victory over David Owuor from Nairobi, also known as Puskás, who had scored first in the finals. Ann Nyarangi claimed victory in the women’s category.

The tournament brought together 69 players, who competed for a share of the Sh100,000 prize pool across categories including EAFC 26, eFootball Mobile, eFootball Console, FC Mobile and Tekken 8 (PS5).

Ann described the event as one of the toughest competitions she had participated in, especially since the women had initially had to play against men.

Ann Nyarangi poses for a photo at the Nakuru Old Town Hall on October 4, 2025.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/Mtaa Wangu

“I’m proud I came out on top in the women's category,” she says, adding that she hopes to see more women participate in future tournaments and receive equal prize opportunities.

Odhiambo admits that playing on home turf was pressurising, but says that the support gave him the motivation to push through.

“The crowd’s energy kept me going. I wanted Nakuru to have the bragging rights,” he says.

Ronny Lusigi, President of the E-Sports Federation of Kenya, urges gamers to unite and speak with one voice to better advocate for their interests.

He also encourages players to explore other opportunities within the gaming ecosystem, such as coaching, commentary and event organisation, rather than focusing solely on competition.

Fans celebrate after Abraham Odhiambo aka Fab won the Kenya E-Sports Series Nakuru Edition on October 4, 2025.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/Mtaa Wangu

Lusigi also calls on PlayStation gaming lounges to create safe and inclusive spaces for all players, as this would help to change negative perceptions of gaming in Kenya.

The Kenya Esports Series is a national gaming competition running from October to December 2025. The Nakuru Edition marked the beginning of the series.

It will then move to Eldoret, Mombasa and Kisumu, before concluding with a grand finale in Nairobi on December 12, 2025, during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, where the winners of the series will compete.

From movie shops to E-Sports Champions: The Rise of Ann Nyarangi and Abraham Odhiambo in the Gaming arena

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Muthoni Wanjiku