The Kenyan champion will compete against players from nearly 80 countries, giving local gamers an opportunity to showcase their talent on the international stag

Kenyan gamers during a previous tournament/ HANDOUT

Kenyan gamers have a chance to represent the country at the Red Bull Wings Cup World Final in Miami, United States, in January 2027, with the winner of the national EA SPORTS FC 27 competition earning the ticket.

The tournament features two qualification pathways: a University League targeting students and an Open League contested online.

The top 16 players from the two routes will advance to the national final scheduled for November 7 at Century Cinemax Sarit Centre in Nairobi, where Kenya’s representative will be determined.

Red Bull Wings Cup Sportive Director Johann Mackboush said the competition would provide a platform for the country’s leading EA SPORTS FC players to showcase their talent and pursue international recognition.

“Red Bull Wings Cup is an exciting opportunity for Kenya’s top EA SPORTS FC players to go head-to-head, showcase their skills and compete for a chance to represent the country on the global stage,” Mackboush said.

The competition comes amid growing recognition of esports as a commercial industry, with opportunities extending beyond professional gaming into sponsorships, broadcasting, digital content production and event management.

For Kenyan players, competing in international tournaments offers valuable exposure to different playing styles, higher levels of competition and gaming communities beyond the country’s borders.

According to Grand View Research, the global esports market was valued at an estimated US$2.6 billion (Sh337.7 billion) in 2025 and is projected to reach US$13.3 billion (Sh1.73 trillion) by 2033, driven by increased investment in tournaments, sponsorships, media rights and live-streaming platforms.