The 13th edition of the Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) Games has made history by including esports for the very first time, a major milestone for competitive gaming in the Indian Ocean region and African esports as a whole.
Held in Seychelles from July 28 to August 10, 2025, the multi-sport event featured FIFA 25 (formerly FIFA) on the PlayStation 5 as its official esports title, alongside 10 other traditional sports disciplines. The competition brought together young athletes from Comoros, Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Djibouti, marking a new chapter in the Games’ history.
A Historic First for CJSOI and African Esports
The inclusion of esports at the CJSOI Games signals growing recognition of competitive gaming as a legitimate sporting discipline in Africa. With FIFA 25 chosen as the inaugural title, the tournament blended football’s cultural significance in the region with the fast-paced, digital skillset of modern esports.
The event was graced by senior officials, including:
- Dr. Hibo Moumin Assoweh – President of CJSOI
- Marie-Celine Zialor – Minister of Youth, Sport, and Family, Seychelles
- H.E Mr Abdulah Marson Moustapha – Minister of Youth and Sports, Madagascar
Their presence highlighted the importance of this first step towards integrating esports into regional multi-sport competitions.
Podium Results
- 🥇 Madagascar – Champions of the first-ever CJSOI esports competition
- 🥈 Mauritius – Strong showing, finishing as runners-up
- 🥉 Djibouti – Securing the bronze medal spot
Mauritius celebrated notable achievements in both individual and mixed categories, with standout performances from players such as Danzel and Neria, who helped secure medals for their nation.
One of the most remarkable stories of the event was Rayan Fahad Anis, just 14 years old, who won a bronze medal, making him the youngest athlete to claim a podium finish in the esports competition.
Why This Matters for African Esports
The debut of esports at the CJSOI Games mirrors a larger trend across Africa, the gradual integration of digital sports into established sporting structures. For African esports, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, this inclusion offers:
- Visibility: A platform to showcase local talent to a wider audience.
- Validation: Recognition by governments and sporting bodies that esports is a legitimate competitive discipline.
- Pathways: Opportunities for young players to transition from regional events to continental and global competitions.
With titles like FIFA 25 bridging the gap between traditional and digital sport, the CJSOI Games have created a blueprint for other African multi-sport events to follow.
A Step Toward a Continental Movement
This milestone arrives at a time when Africa is increasingly pushing for representation in global esports events. By successfully hosting and celebrating esports within a prestigious regional competition, the CJSOI Games have set an example for other African sporting federations, including the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to embrace esports in their official programs.
The success of this year’s tournament could inspire broader participation and more structured pathways for African gamers to reach international stages.
