This year’s Nerdwork Comic Con was a spectacular fusion of anime, cosplay, and gaming, drawing a diverse crowd of fans to Port Harcourt. For the first time, the event played host to the highly anticipated Cage24 qualifiers, attracting top talent in both Mortal Kombat 11 and EAFC25. But beyond the competition, the convention created a platform for the city’s growing gaming community to connect, compete, and celebrate their passions.
The Cage24 Qualifiers: Power Meets Precision
While Nerdwork Comic Con was largely focused on anime and cosplay, the Cage24 qualifiers added an exciting layer of competition for gaming fans. The tournament featured
high-stakes battles in Mortal Kombat and EAFC25, managed by the seasoned game manager Demax.
In the Mortal Kombat tournament, Solomon Ubah emerged victorious, displaying unrivaled skill and taking home the ₦100,000 prize pool. In EAFC, Dexter dominated the field, securing his spot in the finals of CAGE24, where he will be flown to Lagos to compete.
Though the qualifiers were a thrilling addition, they weren’t the main event. Many attendees came for the cosplay and artistic elements of the convention, with fans showing off elaborate costumes and indulging in their love for anime. Yet, the gaming section still attracted a dedicated group of esports enthusiasts, demonstrating the diversity of interests that Nerdwork Comic Con manages to balance.
Nerdwork Gaming Experience: A Hub for Gamers and Vendors
The Nerdwork gaming section this year took things to the next level. Sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, the area was packed with high-quality consoles, TVs, and gaming chairs, providing an immersive experience for all. However, it wasn’t just the setup that captured the excitement—gaming vendors like Case Properties were also in the building, offering an incredible range of consoles, video games, and anime-themed merchandise. Their booth became a central point for gamers to try out different titles and explore the latest in gaming tech. Case Properties’ influence on the local gaming scene is evident, and their booth at Nerdwork allowed fans to engage with them on a personal level.
Another highlight was the presence of PlayNation, a popular gaming content creator from Port Harcourt, who added even more buzz to the convention. PlayNation’s influence within the community has helped grow the gaming scene, and their presence added a personal touch to the day’s events.
This year’s con also included a gamers’ panel featuring the likes of Kalamanja(Dragon of the West), PrimeCodm, and Louis Whyte. Each of these industry veterans shared their journey from passionate hobbyists to seasoned professionals. Their stories of early struggles, perseverance, and eventual success struck a chord with everyone in attendance, especially the younger generation who are just starting their own gaming journeys.
Port Harcourt’s Growing Gaming Community: An Industry on the Rise
Port Harcourt’s gaming community is growing stronger with every event, and Nerdwork Comic Con played a crucial role in that evolution. The diversity of the crowd, from cosplayers to dedicated gamers, showed that this city is becoming a melting pot for creative and competitive talent. The involvement of brands like Monster Energy and vendors like Case Properties indicates the growing recognition of gaming as an industry with serious potential.
In addition, PlayNation’s presence further highlighted the unity within Port Harcourt’s gaming community. The crossover between content creation and competitive gaming is contributing to a broader and more inclusive ecosystem, where gamers can grow and collaborate.
The recent Game Expo 2024 hosted by Gameverse in Port Harcourt showed the next stage of this evolution. Held just weeks before Nerdwork Comic Con, it brought together developers, content creators, and gaming enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community that continues to gain momentum. The expo also hosted an EAFC25 tournament with a ₦500,000 prize pool, won by PlayWithShocker, underscoring the growing opportunities for competitive gamers in the region.
Looking Ahead: More Tournaments, More Growth
As Port Harcourt’s gaming industry continues to expand, the need for more tournaments, community involvement, and collaboration becomes even more pressing. Events like Nerdwork Comic Con and the Game Expo are building the foundation for the city to become a significant player in the national esports ecosystem.
The call for more tournaments, and greater participation from the community, is clear. With the momentum from the Cage24 qualifiers, and the passion from the city’s gamers, Port Harcourt is on the verge of establishing itself as a critical hub for esports and gaming culture in Nigeria. The future looks bright, and the gaming community is ready to embrace it.
