- Abraham Odhiambo is the ultimate game-changer in popularising Esports in Kenya
- He is a web content writer working for a Nairobi-based Media and PR firm while also finalising his media and communication studies at Egerton University
- He’s a fierce competitor in the Esports arena, where his lightning-fast reflexes are unmatched
Abraham Odhiambo is the ultimate game-changer in popularising Esports in Kenya. By day, he is a web content writer working for a Nairobi-based Media and PR firm while also finalising his media and communication studies at Egerton University.
By night, he’s a fierce competitor in the Esports arena, where his lightning-fast reflexes are unmatched. Recently, Abraham emerged victorious in the Esports Kenya Nakuru Edition Tournament in the men’s category, a rare feat for the Nairobi-born, Nyanza-bred journalist.
What’s even more remarkable is how he’s leveraging his journalistic prowess to promote the sport he loves. He not only avidly writes about compelling web content about Esports, but also takes a front seat in tournaments this time as a player.
When Did Abraham Odhiambo Start His Esports Journey?
The soft-spoken Abraham Odhiambo has a great story leading to his gaming overtures. His love for the gaming pad goes back to his days in primary school.
He spent his free time together with his friends at a local gaming centre where they played FIFA. It was a routine he honoured throughout his primary school but quit when he was in high school to focus on his studies.
He then resumed gaming after joining Egerton University. However, his major turning point in gaming was in 2020 at the height of COVID-19. He had too much time on his hands, and he decided to learn more about Esports.
“I was curious about Esports when it hit the market. I had a gut feeling that something good would come from it, and that’s what pushed me into it,” he told SportsLeo News desk.
Before long, he grasped the ins and outs of Esports, and he became a common figure in different local tournaments. Being a full-time student at Egerton at the time helped him keep tabs on Esports Kenya tournaments. He would always try his luck. Each tournament left him a layer of information on how to become the best gamer in Kenya.
“Just like other jobs, every tournament I participated in sharpened my gaming skills in a certain way. The interaction with competitors is really important because you learn new tricks, which is important for me as a young person whose focus is on growing my Esports and journalism career,” he expressed.
Is Gaming a Fulfilling Career?
The 25-year-old notes that gaming is a fulfilling career for those dedicated to learning and perfecting their Esports skills.
“What many people don’t know is that young people are earning very well through Esports was their full-time job. We have a few here in Kenya, mostly Nairobi. They are signed by teams and they give their all when playing for them and the returns are worth writing about,” he retorted.
Asked if he would trade his place in the newsroom for a comfortable seat as a full-time gamer in his house, Abraham Odhiambo termed it a hard call.
“Gaming is my passion and journalism is my voice — I’d rather blend them than choose. The esports industry needs great players and great storytellers, so I’m happy doing both,” he retorted.
Though he won the Esports Kenya Nakuru edition, Odhiambo admits that his weekends and evenings just got busier. He’s more aggressive in his training now as he eyes a bigger apple in the Esports arena.
“I had a taste and feel of how winning an Esports tournament feels like. It opened my eyes to the possibilities and opportunities I have in winning global tournaments, but I have to be ready. Winning a tournament isn’t about luck; it’s preparedness that results from hours of training and being in top mental shape to take on other smart gamers.”
