Going pro: Senegal’s young gamers betting on esport


People follow a video game fighting match projected on the big screen in a cinema in Dakar on Nov 12, 2022. The world of video games in Senegal now has its emblematic figures; young people in their early twenties, fed on PlayStations, who participate in competitions throughout the sub-region and contribute to the development and popularisation of this industry. — AFP

DAKAR: Avid fans of the best-selling Fifa video game watched on a big screen as leading Senegalese gamers battled it out as virtual iterations of footballing royalty like Cristiano Ronaldo and Olivier Giroud.

Some 400 esports enthusiasts attended Dakar’s recent Esport Experience tournament, inspired by local heroes like Mouhamed Thiam, 19, alias “Dex77” – three-time continental champion – and by Senegal’s real-life football team, the continent’s reigning champions.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Tech News

Scale of social media use in pre-school children ‘deeply alarming’
Opinion: Are QR codes computer-friendly?
Pick your handle: WhatsApp preparing reservation queue for usernames
'Kirby Air Riders': A 'Mario Kart' alternative for the Switch 2
Meta delays release of Phoenix mixed-reality glasses to 2027, Business Insider reports
Opinion: How can you tell if something’s been written by ChatGPT? Let’s delve
'Stealing from a thief': How ChatGPT helped Delhi man outsmart scammer, make him 'beg' for forgiveness
A US man was indicted for allegedly cyberstalking women. He says he took advice from ChatGPT.
Apple, Tesla accused of profiting from horrific abuses, environmental destruction
Exclusive-How Netflix won Hollywood's biggest prize, Warner Bros Discovery

Others Also Read