Last night, the Complexe Sportif Mohammed V arena in Casablanca was brimming with positive energy and excitement as it hosted the grand opening ceremony of the African Esports Championship 2024. The city of Casablanca, proud and honored to be the first to host such a historic event, welcomed participants from across the continent, all eager to compete for the title of Africa’s best.
The ceremony began with a powerful display of unity as athletes proudly carried their national flags to the stage, receiving a warm reception from the crowd. The event then progressed with the delivery of the opening speeches.
Mr. Hicham El Khlifi, President of the African Confederation of Digital Sports (ACDS) and the Royal Moroccan Federation of Electronic Games expressed his gratitude for this historic event:
“We are immensely proud to host Africa’s first-ever esports event, a historic milestone for our continent. Under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, and with the support of the Moroccan government, this championship highlights the incredible potential of African youth. We are grateful to everyone involved and excited to showcase Africa’s strength and unity in the global esports arena. Let us remember that we are not merely spectators but architects of a new era for African esports. Casablanca, today, stands as a symbol of our collective aspirations.”
Next, the General Secretary of the International Esports Federation, Mr. Boban Totovski was introduced to the stage and shared his perspective on the event:
“Seeing the event we’ve all aspired to bring to the African continent finally come to life is a proud moment for all of us. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to its successful realization – our host, the Kingdom of Morocco, under the great vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the city of Casablanca, and most importantly, our athletes. They’ve worked tirelessly, traveled far, and given their all to make this an event that will shape the future of African Esports as well as the international Esports community.” – said Mr. Totovski.
The ceremony continued with a stunning showcase of traditional African dances and music, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the continent. The final highlight of the evening was an exhibition showmatch in CS2, where the host nation Morocco faced off against the ALL-Team Africa. The match provided both entertainment and a preview of the competition to come.
As the ceremony concluded, it was clear: Africa is ready to make its mark on the international Esports stage. With athletes prepared to compete and the city of Casablanca brimming with Esports energy, the championship ahead promises to be one to remember.
Follow the African Esports Championship on IESF’s YouTube channel, and check out our platform at iesf.gg for the schedule and results.
Let the games begin!
