Esports is truly a global affair. There’s a future in esports, for more people than the biggest and best talents. All across the globe, new esports operations are coming to life, and Nigeria’s no exemption. Lagos will be the home to the Esports Open in January.

A new gaming championship is coming to Nigeria in January 2020 thanks to Kucheza Gaming. Kucheza Gaming is the first homegrown esports company for Nigeria and will be hosting the Esports Open.

Makin’ Moves, Makin’ Moves

It is their hope that it will raise Nigeria’s esports profile, and is open for gamers of ages 12 to 18. This is a billion-dollar industry, that’s not news. But I hope that it winds up putting a serious spotlight on Nigeria for the growth of their own esports scene.

The Esports Open in Lagos is being held in partnership with “Digital Schoolhouse”, which his a UK-based non-profit organization. Their goal is to bridge the gap between education and the games industry. The next great games industry writer, producer or artist could come from anywhere! Just because someone plays in an esport doesn’t mean they don’t have other aspirations, such as getting into games development.

During the event, Kucheza will offer the player’s parents information about career paths for their children in the gaming and esports sector. This could be an incredible chance for these kids to find a path to a higher education and a career, so it’s not to be missed out on.

Games, Awards, More

These kids will be playing in a variety of the best-selling fighting games on the market, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Winners will be awarded scholarships to further their education, and we learned that Kucheza is planning several events across Nigeria.

So if you can’t make it to this event, fear not, there will be others! The overall winner of the Esports Open will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the Uk to compete against other international players, which sounds pretty darn exciting if you ask me. This could also be a great chance for these up-and-coming esports players to network.

Founder of Kucheza Gaming, Bukola Akingbade, said Esports was a global phenomenon, adding that the organization was excited to be leading the gaming sector in Nigeria. Here’s what he had to say:

“Esports offers the opportunity for children and young people to develop 21st century digital skills while enjoying themselves in a safe environment. The Gaming Esports Open will be the first event of many, and we invite all children and parents to come and join us.”

Even if this is esports news that doesn’t affect you, it’s easy to be hyped about it. I love seeing esports crop up all over the world, especially when it means it will also lead to a path to the gaming or esports industries.

Though the children aren’t making money off of this event, they are gaining a way into esports, and are receiving money for education. That is perhaps the most important thing. Even if these kids decide that esports isn’t their future, it could still help their growth and transition to college, and that is a brilliant thing to see.