In a landmark move for African esports, SAGES Africa has announced a strategic collaboration with the Evolution Championship Series France (EVO France) 2025, creating a powerful opportunity for the continent’s best fighting game players to compete on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
The partnership will see finalists from a series of local African tournaments gain free entry into EVO France 2025, scheduled to take place from October 10 to 12 in Nice, France. This initiative not only supports Africa’s growing fighting game scene but also provides tangible international access for players who have historically faced significant barriers to global competition.
Africa’s Invitation to the Global Fighting Game Stage
The Evolution Championship Series is recognized globally as the premier competitive platform for versus fighting games. EVO France, its European edition, carries the same prestige, bringing together top-tier players, developers, and communities. With this partnership, Africa joins that global dialogue through direct participation, not just observation.
The collaboration was made possible by the efforts of SAGES Africa and a growing network of local partners and federations across the continent. These stakeholders have committed to organizing qualifying tournaments that will produce the finalists eligible for EVO France entry.
Participating Nations and Local Partners
So far, the partnership includes the following African countries and organizations:
- Benin – Fédération Béninoise des Sports Electroniques (FSBE)
- Cameroon – Cameroon E-Sports & Association Camerounaise des Sports Virtuels (ACSV)
- Côte d’Ivoire – Fédération Ivoirienne Esports
- Djibouti – Djibouti Esports
- Ethiopia – Ethiopian Games Association (EGA)
- Kenya – Deep Vine Entertainment (AEC)
- Madagascar – Tekken Madagascar
- Nigeria – Esports Federation of Nigeria
- Senegal – FESSEDA
- South Africa – Mettlestate
- Togo – Fédération Togo Esport
- Zambia – Team Gematrix Limited
Additional countries are expected to join in the coming weeks, reinforcing the continental momentum behind the initiative.
A Model for International Inclusion
This partnership reflects a growing recognition that Africa’s esports communities are not only ready but capable of standing alongside the world’s best. For too long, African players have operated in isolation due to logistical, financial, and infrastructural limitations. The inclusion of African champions in EVO France provides a framework that can be emulated by other global esports organizers seeking to genuinely diversify their competitive base.
Moreover, this initiative is more than symbolic. It provides clear, measurable steps for African competitors to reach global stages—a vital component in the development of a credible and sustainable esports ecosystem on the continent.
A Thank You to EVO France
SAGES Africa extended appreciation to EVO France for its trust and willingness to engage in meaningful partnership, describing the collaboration as a milestone for the entire African esports movement. By opening their platform to African fighters, EVO France is not just expanding its player base—it is contributing to the professionalization and internationalization of esports talent from a region full of untapped potential.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 EVO France event will not only feature familiar names from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, but also new challengers from Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and beyond, bringing African flavor and fire to the global fighting game community.
This is more than an invitation. It is a statement: Africa is ready. The arena awaits.
