Gamers in a past competition/ HANDOUT
Kenyan gamers will begin their quest for international glory next month following Esports Kenya's unveiling of the national qualifiers for the Global Esports Games 2026.
The qualifiers will offer 26 coveted national team slots across seven gaming titles.
Scheduled for July 18, the qualifiers will determine the squad that will represent Kenya at the global showpiece in Los Angeles, USA, from December 3–10.
The main event is expected to feature competitors from more than 180 member federations. Registration for the qualifiers opened on June 23 and will run until July 15 through Esports Kenya's digital platforms, with eligibility restricted to players aged 16 and above.
Competitors will vie for spots in eFootball, Rocket League, NBA2K, Clash Royale, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), iRacing, and Counter Strike 2.
Women's categories will be featured in eFootball (1v1), Clash Royale (1v1), and MLBB (5v5), while the remaining disciplines will be contested as open categories.
Esports Kenya Competitions Director Timothy Kiarie emphasized the federation's commitment to a transparent and professional selection process as preparations get underway.
"The Global Esports Games are the pinnacle of our esports calendar, and we assure all participants that the highest standards of professionalism and integrity shall be applied in the selection," Kiarie said.
He also urged players to register early and organize their travel documentation promptly to avoid missing out on national team opportunities.
"We also urge players to secure crucial documentation like passports and parental consent (for minors) in time so that their chances of representing the nation are not affected by off-the-pitch challenges," he added.
The upcoming qualifiers represent the first step in assembling Team Kenya for the Los Angeles tournament.
The Global Esports Games is the flagship international competition of the Global Esports Federation. Since its inception in 2021, the event has grown into one of the most prestigious tournaments on the esports calendar.
Kenya has been an active participant through Esports Kenya, which continues to establish structured pathways and expand international opportunities for local gamers as competitive gaming grows in popularity across the country and the continent.
