Bilal Mohamed, synonymous with African esports

Lea Hogg August 18, 2024

SiGMA news

Bilal Mohamed, synonymous with African esports

Bilal Mohamed, a name now synonymous with excellence in African eSports, has made history as the first Kenyan to win the African esports Championship. Born in the UK, Bilal moved to Kenya at the age of seven, where he grew up and developed his passion for gaming. His journey from a casual gamer to a continental champion is both inspiring and remarkable.

Africa’s esports champion

Bilal’s first major milestone came in 2024 when he competed in the African eSports Championship held in Lagos, Nigeria. Facing off against Chukwudi Okoli, the reigning Nigerian champion, Bilal emerged victorious in a thrilling final of Street Fighter 6, winning 3-2. This victory not only crowned him as the African eSports champion but also marked a significant achievement for Kenya in the eSports arena.

Bilal’s success has attracted sponsorships from various organizations. Notably, he has been supported by the International Esports Federation (IESF) and local Kenyan businesses. These sponsorships have provided him with the resources needed to compete at the highest levels and continue his training

Bilal’s career in competitive gaming

Bilal’s parents, both educators, instilled in him the importance of balancing academics with extracurricular activities. He attended Braeside Primary and High School before moving on to Peponi Secondary School. His academic journey continued at Strathmore University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Business Science in Financial Economics. Bilal’s analytical skills, honed through his studies, played a crucial role in his strategic approach to gaming.

Bilal ventured into eSports began in 2019, just a year before he started his undergraduate studies. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a serious pursuit as he competed online against players from Zambia, South Africa, and beyond. His dedication to improving his skills saw him spend countless hours practicing and analysing his gameplay..

Beyond his gaming prowess, Bilal is known for his disciplined approach to balancing his academic and gaming commitments. He often cites former professional boxer Muhammad Ali and basketball legend Michael Jordan as his inspirations, aiming to achieve similar dominance in eSports. Bilal’s ability to manage his time effectively has been a key factor in his success, allowing him to excel both academically and in his gaming career.

With his degree in Financial Economics and a prestigious eSports title under his belt, Bilal Mohamed is poised for a bright future. He continues to train rigorously, aiming to defend his title and represent Africa on the global stage. The potential of African gamers and the growing prominence of esports on the continent is reshaping the global esports industry.

Bilal Mohamed’s journey from a young gamer in Kenya to an African eSports champion is a story of dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence. As he continues to break barriers and set new standards, he remains an inspiration to aspiring gamers across Africa.