Esports gamers converge in Lagos for GamrX 2025
The tournament transformed the venue into a vibrant hub, with fans cheering electrifying matches and cosplay contests.
Nigeria.- On Friday, August 8, 2025, Lagos played host to Africa’s largest esports tournament, GamrX 2025. Held at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, the event drew more than 1,000 gamers from nine African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Senegal, Cameroon, Benin, South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire.
Organised by the Nigeria Esports Federation (NEF) with support from the Lagos State Sports Commission, the event featured intense competition across several titles such as Street Fighter, EA FC 25, Fortnite, Mortal Kombat, PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, with a total cash prize of ₦15 million (€8,385).
The tournament transformed the venue into a vibrant hub, with fans cheering electrifying matches and cosplay contests. Temi, a 19-year-old competitor, said: “It’s like a stadium roar when you land a combo in Street Fighter.” The games were streamed live on platforms like Twitch, which attracted viewers from around the world, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
The event was attended by Lekan Fatodu, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission. He revealed that the state government sees its support of the fourth edition of the GamrX Africa esports tournament as a strategic move to capitalise on the growing esports market and its immense opportunities.
Fatodu said: “On behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we want to appreciate you for your investment in creativity, investment and commitment to passion; for your investment in creating an atmosphere, a unique ecosystem of friendliness, sports and great achievements.
“This is Lagos. It’s a pleasure to be here today, it is amazing. As a state, we will continue to support, to ensure that this event becomes bigger. Currently, we have nine countries that have been part of this. In the coming year, we want to have a situation where we will double the number, and it becomes a reference point in the global gaming ecosystem.”
GamrX 2025 put the spotlight on Nigeria’s thriving $20m esports market, boosting local businesses like hotels and vendors. By organising large-scale esports events like this and generating employment opportunities in areas such as streaming and game development, Lagos is cementing its status as Africa’s esports capital with a goal to double participation by 2026.
