Mike Johnson has been crowned the inaugural Africell Sierra Leone eSports National Champion after defeating Samuel Jobe in the final of the competition held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the AYV Media Empire Auditorium on No. 3 Wesley Street in Freetown.

The championship attracted eSports enthusiasts and supporters from across the country, marking a significant milestone in the development and promotion of competitive gaming in Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the event, Africell Sierra Leone’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Kamanda Koroma, said the company was committed to ensuring fair and equal representation in the national competition.

“When Africell decided to host this game in Sierra Leone, one of the most important things was to make sure that we had fair and equal representation. That is why we started from the North,” Koroma explained.

He said regional qualifiers were held in Makeni and Bo before the competition moved to Freetown, where the Western Area was divided into Freetown East and Freetown West to provide wider opportunities for gamers to participate.

According to Koroma, the competition demonstrated that eSports involves more than technical ability, stressing that mental strength with concentration is equally important.

“We got very good, excellent and competitive gamers. One of the interesting moments in this tournament was when the gamers were playing and talking trash to each other. This shows that it is not just about the skillful and physical aspect of the game, but also the mental aspect. It is very important to keep your cool and not allow your opponent to distract you,” he said.

Koroma thanked the participating gamers and their supporters for displaying sportsmanship throughout the competition, while also applauding the Sierra Leone Sports Federation for partnering with Africell to organize the championship.

Johnson, who emerged national champion, received a golden trophy and NLe20,000, while runner-up Samuel Jobe was awarded a silver trophy and NLe10,000. Third-place finisher James received a bronze trophy and NLe5,000.

The top three finishers have also secured fully sponsored trips to represent Sierra Leone at a continental eSports showdown in Angola. National qualifiers in several African countries concluded in early September, although the definitive schedule for the continental event is yet to be officially announced.

Speaking to the press after his victory, Johnson, who qualified for the national championship after winning the Makeni regional qualifiers in August, said the triumph was a rewarding moment following his dedication and practice.

“I feel good. It is a great feeling to win. It makes you not give up but continues to give your all. The winning means a lot to me. It shows that I have been practicing for a reason and that my hard work means something,” Johnson said.

With his victory securing a place in the continental competition, Johnson said he was determined to make Sierra Leone proud in Angola.

“I am the best because I have beaten the best, so I am the best. Next up is Angola. By God’s grace, I am going to make Sierra Leone proud out there,” he stated.

The national champion also encouraged parents to support young people interested in eSports, noting the growing opportunities within the sector.

“Parents should allow their children to play eSports because they don’t know where the future of their child holds. Right now, eSports is growing and there is money in it,” Johnson added.

Despite falling short in the final, 14-year-old Samuel Jobe, an SSS 1 pupil of St. Edward’s Secondary School, said the experience had motivated him to work harder.

“Losing the final means I should go home and practice more in order to become the best in future competitions. I feel good because this is my first competition and I have gained exposure. This is a motivating factor for me,” Jobe said.