rAge Expo Celebrates African Talent, Entrepreneurship, and Epic Showdowns
rAge Expo Celebrates African Talent, Entrepreneurship, and Epic Showdowns. The countdown to rAge 2024 is even more exciting with the inclusion of two major esports events. From the Mamelodi Sundowns Esports Championship to the Mzansi Esports Champions 2024 featuring the Queen Arrow Invitational, rAge is set to host a weekend of intense competition, innovation, and celebration of Africa’s growing gaming and esports culture.
Mamelodi Sundowns Esports Championship (EA FC 25):
In collaboration with Mettlestate, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, one of Mzansi’s top football teams, is bringing the third iteration of the Mamelodi Sundowns Esports Championship to rAge 2024. The top 8 EA FC players from across South Africa will battle for their share of the R200,000 prize pool, culminating in an electrifying showdown, live at the expo.
But there’s an exciting twist this year: two wild card entries from the Kasi-Flare Tournamentz, a series of township-based EA FC competitions held across Gauteng and hosted by Mettlestate and Penrose Esports, will join the finalists for an unforgettable grand finale.
“This partnership showcases the intersection of sports, gaming, and community,” says Michael James, Project Director at rAge. “We’re thrilled to host this high-stakes competition at rAge, which perfectly embodies our mission to bring the best of gaming and esports to our audience.”
“Mettlestate is thrilled to be working with Mamelodi Sundowns for the third year in a row,” says Carly Twaddle, New Business Development Manager at Mettlestate. “It is incredible to see how this tournament has grown, and how the community has grown in turn. We can’t wait to see what the finalists can do!”
rAge is also proud to partner with SAGES and play host to the Mzansi Esports Champions 2024, a groundbreaking event designed to celebrate the vibrancy and potential of esports in Africa. This two-day extravaganza combines professional networking and competitive gaming to showcase the continent’s immense talent and entrepreneurial spirit.
Day 1: Business Meetings – Empowering Africa’s Esports Entrepreneurs
On Friday, November 29th, the focus will be on fostering collaboration and innovation within the esports industry. Industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and gaming professionals will convene for a day of panel discussions, networking opportunities, and strategy sessions aimed at unlocking the potential of African esports.
Key topics will include:
- Entrepreneurship in African Esports: Highlighting the challenges and opportunities for businesses within this growing sector.
- Female Leadership in Gaming: Exploring the role of women in shaping the future of esports and gaming in Africa.
- Cross-Continental Collaboration: Discussing strategies to connect African esports with global markets and audiences
The day promises to be a transformative platform for knowledge-sharing and building partnerships, strongly emphasising female entrepreneurship and innovation in esports.
Days 2 and 3: The Queen Arrow Invitational – A Celebration of Female Talent
On Saturday, November 30th, and Sunday, December 1st, the spotlight will fall on the Queen Arrow Invitational, a thrilling 100% female Tekken 8 competition featuring eight of Africa’s best female players.
The participants represent the diversity and skill within African esports, hailing from countries across the continent:
- Zahraa “Iron Fist” (South Africa)
- Setsabile Shabangu (Eswatini)
- Safidy Mahaliana Andrianisoa “Sentaku” (Madagascar)
- Bwalia Nkumbula (Zambia)
- Asante Tisungani Maruwasa (Namibia)
- Thebe Liteboho “EL” (Lesotho)
- Sylvia Gathoni Wahome “TheQueenArrow” (Kenya)
- Matimbe Gweyneth Edina “Gwyn Stacy” (Malawi)
Hosted by the renowned Queen Arrow, a Kenyan esports trailblazer and content creator, this competition celebrates the achievements of women in gaming and shines a spotlight on their incredible talent.
Mzansi Esports Champions 2024 isn’t just about competition; it’s about fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and growth. By combining esports with discussions on entrepreneurship and innovation, this is a hub for advancing gaming culture and creating opportunities for the African gaming community to thrive on a global stage.
“These new elements at rAge ensure that there truly is something for everyone—whether you’re here to watch top-tier esports, connect with industry leaders, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of gaming and geek culture. We’re excited to see how these competitions and discussions inspire our community and contribute to the growth of esports in Africa,” says James.
