Namibia set for national e-sport qualifiers

The Namibian Electronic Sports Association (Nesa) intends to stage its national qualifiers this weekend, marking a pivotal moment for e-sport in the country.

Slated to kick off on Saturday, the qualifiers are a beacon for the nation’s finest e-sport talent, offering a platform to showcase their skills in a competitive arena, the organisers say.

This year’s line-up includes four riveting titles, namely Counter-Strike 2, eFootball™ Series, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and DotA2, promising a diverse and thrilling competition.

“A unique aspect of this year’s qualifiers is the dual-format approach, with both online and offline stages, culminating in in-person finals.

“This hybrid model ensures wide participation from across Namibia, accommodating athletes from various regions as well as providing an equitable stage for all competitors,” Nesa said in a statement yesterday.

Success at the nationals will result in getting elevated to the IESF’s African Regional Qualifiers in Casablanca, Morocco, where they will be vying for a spot in the IESF’s 16th World E-sport Championships, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“This stepwise progression not only enhances the competitive spirit, but also solidifies the path for Namibian e-athletes to shine on the world stage,” Nesa stated.

“Nesa’s commitment to fostering a robust e-sport ecosystem in Namibia is evident in the meticulous planning and execution of the national qualifiers.

“Through initiatives like these, Nesa aims to not only elevate e-sport within the national sport fraternity, but also to pave the way for Namibian athletes to achieve international acclaim,” the national federation explained.

“As the countdown to the national qualifiers begins, excitement brews among the gaming community and spectators alike. The qualifiers are more than just a competition; they are a celebration of skill, strategy, and the spirited community that forms the backbone of e-sport in Namibia,” Nesa said.

“The road to Riyadh begins in Namibia, and the nation watches eagerly as its e-athletes prepare to make their mark on the global e-sport arena.”

The national qualifiers are made possible through Nesa’s partner, MTC, and sponsor, LogitechG.

This article and image originally appeared in The Namibian