Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

From movie shops to E-Sports Champions: The Rise of Ann Nyarangi and Abraham Odhiambo in the Gaming arena

Ann Nyarangi poses for a photo at the Nakuru Old Town Hall on October 4, 2025.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/Mtaa Wangu

Ann Nyarangi began her gaming journey in 2021 out of sheer curiosity while managing a movie shop and a gaming parlour. Whenever her friends came over to play, she would find herself intrigued by the games and eager to learn more about them.

"I requested them to teach me how to play, which they gladly did. Since then, I have continued to practice and perfect my skills, and I can now comfortably compete in tournaments," she says.

Ann acknowledges that she has been fortunate to have supportive friends who have encouraged her throughout her gaming journey. However, she also points out that not everyone was as kind. Some male players, she notes, tend to look down on her simply because she is a woman in the gaming space.

"Some men would find me playing and start making demeaning comments, but all that changes the moment I win the game," she adds with a smile.

To cope with such negativity, Ann explains that she has had to develop thick skin. "If I listen to them, I will feel bad and it could disorient my game, so I choose to stay focused," she says.

Even so, she admits that the journey is not easy. While she dreams of becoming a professional gamer, she acknowledges that there are many hurdles female gamers must overcome.

"Gender inequality in e-sports is significant, especially when it comes to the gender pay gap. Women earn significantly less than our male counterparts, even though we put in the same amount of work," she says.

She further adds that in most tournaments, women’s categories are often overlooked, and when prize money is available, it is usually much lower than what men receive.

Currently, Ann is pursuing Education at Mount Kenya University. She won the Kenya E-Sports Series Nakuru Edition, her second major tournament and she hopes to join the e-league tournaments, represent Kenya internationally, and ultimately make gaming her career.

Abraham Odhiambo aka Fab lifted by fans after winning the Kenya E Sports Series Nakuru Edition on October 4, 2025.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/Mtaa Wangu

Similarly, Abraham Odhiambo’s story began much earlier. He started gaming back in primary school purely for fun and to spend time with friends. However, in 2020, he decided to take it more seriously and began perfecting his skills. 

This led him to start attending local tournaments, which have helped him grow and improve significantly.

Odhiambo notes that it is encouraging to see gaming creating career opportunities for young people, allowing them to earn from their talent.

"Nowadays, it’s common to see gamers being signed and paid because of their skill, although this is not yet as common in Nakuru as it is in Nairobi. Still, I’m hopeful that gaming will open more opportunities for me," he says.

The communication and media studies student at Egerton University adds that to sharpen his skills, he trains in the evenings and on weekends.

He was also the winner of the Kenya E-Sports Series Nakuru Edition in the men’s category, which marked his second major tournament, a milestone he says has motivated him to push even harder in his gaming career.