In Lagos, esports isn’t just entertainment; it’s a professional pursuit that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, their hearts racing in anticipation of the thrilling outcomes of tournaments organized by top-tier esports organizations and contested by the most skilled teams and individuals.

Throughout the year, Lagos plays host to a diverse array of events, from expos to tournaments, each adding to the city’s ever-evolving gaming landscape. 

This article compiles some of the standout events from recent years, offering a glimpse into the exhilarating world of esports in Lagos and providing a preview of what to expect from the city’s esports organizations this year.

Africa Gaming Expo

The Africa Gaming Expo,  AGE for short, is one of the largest gatherings of Esports enthusiasts in Nigeria organized for the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority by Africa Gaming Expo Limited.

The event brings together gaming enthusiasts, industry giants, and regulatory bodies from across the African continent and the world at large, and is organized to showcase the fast-growing Esports industry in Africa.

The first edition of the expo took place on the 15th of March 2024 and the next one is scheduled for February 25-27, 2025.

The gaming event features exhibits by game developers, panel sessions on the latest trends, innovations, technology and challenges facing the African gaming industry, networking opportunities and Esports tournaments. 

The Africa Gaming Expo is a platform put together for the promotion, investment and growth of the Esports industry in Africa.

Upcoming Gaming Events in Lagos 

Gamr X

Gamr X is one of Africa’s biggest gaming tournament by Gamr Africa, also one of the biggest gaming technology companies in Africa.

The tournament attracts gamers from different countries in Africa to compete and win amazing prizes. The first edition was held in April 2022 and the most recent one is coming up on the 4th of May 2024.

The first edition was a huge success. It featured gamers from 10 African countries competing in five game titles: FIFA21, CODM, PUBGM, Mortal Kombat, and Street Fighter V.

150,000 people streamed the finals from various parts of the continent showcasing the popularity of Esports in Africa.

The upcoming tournament will take place on the 4th of May 2024 at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos Nigeria with the theme XHODUS, The Gaming Way.

The gaming titles that will feature in this edition are PUBG Mobile, CODM, Free Fire, Apex Legends, Candy Crush, Just Dance, Street Fighter, EAFC24 and eFootball.

Gear up and prepare to be there!

Gamathon by Africa Comicade

Africa Comicade’s Gamathon is an annual event created for creatives in the African games, animation, comics, and XR (extended reality) industries.

Africa Comicade began in 2020 and has been at the forefront of promoting the talents of creatives in these industries by providing cutting-edge opportunities, recruitment, conferences, training, and gaming events such as the Gamathon.

The convention spans over six days featuring an exhibition where African creatives showcase their games, animations, comics and XR experiences.

Industry experts and enthusiasts come together to share ideas and potential collaboration for future projects and connect.

The event features workshops, mentorship sessions, and opportunities for networking, fostering creativity and skill development within the African gaming community. 

At the end of the hackathon, teams showcase their creations, and winners may receive prizes or recognition for their achievements. Gamathon aims to support and showcase African talent in the gaming industry while promoting collaboration and innovation. 

This year’s event hasn’t been announced yet so keep your ears on the ground for updates.

1stival by Carry1st

1stival is a gaming event organized by Carry1st, a South African gaming publisher. It’s a free event designed to celebrate gaming culture and provide a fun and engaging experience for gamers in Nigeria.

Gamers come together to compete in gaming titles like Fifa, CODM, and Free Fire, others include board games, VR games, Arcade, and racing rigs. The event also features live music and entertainment to keep the atmosphere bubbly.

The last edition of 1stival took place in July 2023 and it featured a Fifa face-off between popular skit maker and entertainer, Layiwasabi and Tiktoker, Rodney. This year’s date hasn’t been announced by Carry1st.

The gaming event also features discussions and talks from gaming enthusiasts and industry experts on the latest trends and developments in the esports industry.

Kon10dr Esports Championships by Kon10dr

The Kon10dr Esports Championship (KEC) is an annual esports tournament held in Lagos, Nigeria.

The championship cuts across CODM, FC 24 and Street Fighter and takes place in different stages with the Qualifiers as the initial stage where teams and individual players battle it out in online or offline rounds. The qualifiers serve as a filter, selecting the top contenders who will move on to the main event.

The main event is the final stage of the competition held in a physical space where qualified teams and players go head to head in an intense match to determine the ultimate champion for each game title.

The main event features additional activities like a panel session, exhibitions and entertainment.

The date for this year’s event is yet to be announced however you can stay up to date by following Kon10dr on their various social media platforms.

Lagos Games Festival

The Lagos Games Festival is an annual gaming event celebrating gaming and the gaming industry in Lagos, Nigeria.

The event was founded by Shina Charles Memud and began in 2019. It aims to provide a platform for gamers to play both local and international games, for businesses to explore opportunities in the gaming industry, and provide a space for networking and collaboration among gaming enthusiasts.

The Lagos Games Festival features

• Live tournaments 
• Gamers are given the opportunity to try out new games
• Workshops
• Gaming companies exhibit their gaming products
• Panel discussions
• The atmosphere is lit with musical performances.

The last event was held in 2021 and we look forward to the revitalization of the festival in Lagos.

The gaming scene in Lagos, Nigeria, is a dynamic and thriving community that continues to captivate audiences with its innovation, passion, and talent. 

From the adrenaline-fueled competitions to the collaborative spirit of hackathons and festivals, Lagos offers a number of gaming events that cater to diverse interests and choices. 

As the city’s gaming ecosystem continues to evolve and grow, fueled by the creativity and dedication of its developers, organizers, and enthusiasts, the future of gaming in Lagos shines brightly. 

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer, a budding developer, or simply someone looking to experience the excitement of this burgeoning industry, Lagos stands ready to welcome you with open arms to its vibrant and exhilarating world of gaming.