Kenya Phygital Esports Cup gets major boost from 82 Sports
82 Sports injects Ksh500,000 (€3,750) into Kenya’s innovative hybrid football and esports tournament, giving youth players a pathway to international competition.
Kenya.- Kenya’s Phygital sports scene has received a major boost as 82 Sports confirmed its title sponsorship for the 2025 Kenya Phygital Cup, providing Ksh500,000 (€3,750) to support logistics, production and prize money.
82 Sports, a Kenyan organisation promoting youth engagement, community wellness and environmental sustainability, backs the event through its “Play for Green Spaces” initiative, combining grassroots football with innovative hybrid sporting programs. The organisation’s support highlights the growing appeal of Phygital Football, which blends real-life football with competitive esports.
The tournament will take place on December 6 and only 16 teams will secure a spot in the competition. The winners take home Ksh70,000 (€525), the runners-up Ksh30,000 (€225) and the champions earn a fully sponsored trip to Kazakhstan to compete at the international Games of the Future tournament.
This edition marks the second Kenya Phygital Cup following the inaugural January 2025 tournament, where Kenyan champions reached the quarterfinals in Abu Dhabi. The key attraction remains Phygital Football, a hybrid format that combines 5v5 physical football with a PlayStation 5 esports battle, with aggregate results determining the winner.
Joash Okuto, CEO of 82 Sports, said: “At 82 Sports, we are deeply committed to promoting talent, environmental conservation and community wellness through regular tournaments and grassroots initiatives. Partnering with Esports Kenya Federation aligns with our vision to support emerging sporting experiences that engage youth both on the pitch and in the digital arena.”
Esports Kenya welcomes 82 Sports
Ronny Lusigi, President of Esports Kenya Federation, welcomed the partnership. “We are happy to welcome 82 Sports as our sponsors for this year’s edition. Their support demonstrates growing confidence in our federation, as potential partners can be assured of transparency, accountability and a return on investment,” he said.
For players, the event represents a major opportunity. Leone Mwaura, who competed in Abu Dhabi, said: “Playing on the global stage was amazing. Competing both physically and digitally tested our teamwork and adaptability. I’m excited that more Kenyan players now have the same opportunity through this upcoming tournament.”
Registration is open via the federation’s digital platforms. The limited slots ensure a highly competitive field, cementing the Kenya Phygital Cup as one of the country’s most forward-looking sporting events.
