Bilal wins gamrX Africa Street Fighter title

Bilal savors the moment in Lagos after being crowned African champion.

Kenyan esports player Bilal Mohamed made history as the first Kenyan to win an international esports trophy as he emerged top in the gamrX African Championship played in Lagos, Nigeria on May 4th 2024.

The 25 year old beat tournament favorite Chukwudi Okoli who is also the reigning Nigerian champion 3-2 in the hotly contested final of the Street Fighter 6 game. Bilal had won the first two sets and was enroute to a dominant victory but Okoli came back to tie the final at 2-2 but the Kenyan star recomposed himself to claim the final and decisive set. 

Bilal was making his debut at an international competition.

“It feels great to win this championship being my first time traveling for an international esports tournament. It was very nerve wracking, especially in the final where I threw away a comfortable lead but I am happy I was able to clutch it out in the end,” Bilal said.

On his part IndexG founder Ronny Lusigi lauded Bilal and promised that IndexG will continue to support Kenyan esports players to compete at international events, 

IndexG founder Ronny Lusigi poses with Bilal in Lagos.

“Kudos to Bilal for making history. His victory signifies the talent that we have as a nation when it comes to esports. IndexG shall continue to support our players to attend and compete in international tournaments. I urge corporate bodies to jump on the esports groove as it is now growing at a fast rate and has the potential to transform lives of our youth”

Kenya finished 4th in the PUBG Mobile category while the FC24 representative Leone Mwaura managed a last 16 berth in his category.

The championship attracted participation from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mali, South Africa and hosts Nigeria.