Casablanca sets to thrill with African eSports Championship

Lea Hogg August 18, 2024

The highly anticipated African esports Championship is taking place at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, Morocco until 21 August. The event commenced with a grand opening ceremony yesterday. Over 180 athletes from 17 countries are competing in five categories: CS2 Open, CS2 Women, MLBB Open, MLBB Women, and PubG Mobile. This tournament will highlight the rapid growth of eSports in Africa and serve as the second stage of the IESF African Regional Qualifiers, determining the final African participants for the World eSports Championship. Hicham El Khlifi, President of the African Confederation of Digital Sports (ACDS) and the Royal Moroccan Federation of Electronic Games, stated, “Hosting the IESF Africa Esports Championship in Casablanca is a milestone for African Esports. It reflects our continent’s growing passion and potential in the digital sports arena. This event is more than a competition; it’s a statement of progress, showcasing the talent and spirit of African athletes to the world. We’re proud to lead this transformative moment for Esports in Africa.” The top teams from this championship will represent Africa at the World Esports Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2024.

Bookies’ odds for 2024 African eSports Championship

Bookmakers are offering odds on various outcomes. Teams from South Africa and Egypt are currently favoured, given their strong performances in previous tournaments. Notably, the South African team, known for their strategic prowess in CS2, is a top contender. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Bilal Mohamed, last year’s champion, is also a favourite in the individual categories. Betting enthusiasts can find odds and place bets through major platforms like Bet365 and William Hill, which are providing comprehensive coverage and attractive offers for this event.

This tournament not only marks a significant milestone in African eSports but also showcases emerging gaming talent as these top teams compete for the opportunity to represent their countries on the global stage.

Sponsored by top tier organisations

The African eSports Championship was established to expand eSports across the continent. Sponsored by various organizations, including the International Esports Federation (IESF) and local African businesses, the championship aims to provide a platform for African gamers to showcase their talents on a global stage. Since its inception, the championship has seen significant milestones, including the first offline event in 2024. Last year, Bilal Mohamed from Kenya made history by becoming the first Kenyan to win an African title in eSports. This victory highlighted the increasing competitiveness and talent emerging from the African eSports scene.