The global publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment has expanded the bracket for the upcoming edition of the EMEA TEKKEN Cup, welcoming two new African nations — Madagascar and Côte d’Ivoire, as eligible competitors. The 2025–2026 EMEA TEKKEN Cup 4 will now feature 15 regions overall, with Madagascar assigned to Region 10 and Ivory Coast to Region 11
What This Means for African Esports
- New representation for Africa — Historically, global esports circuits have offered limited African inclusion. With Madagascar and Ivory Coast now full participants, African players get a clearer pathway into EMEA competitions and greater chances to compete on regional and global stages.
- Boost for local communities — This move can galvanize local esports scenes in Madagascar and Côte d’Ivoire, as players and organizers gain access to official tournaments, leaderboards, and structured competition under the EMEA TEKKEN Cup banner.
- Visibility and legitimacy — Inclusion sends a signal that Africa matters in the global fighting-game ecosystem. It may encourage more investment, growth of grassroots scenes, and motivate new players aware that they can reach international-caliber tournaments while staying in Africa.
According to the official TEKKEN Esports Tournament Portal, the EMEA TEKKEN Cup 4 runs from December 6, 2025 to March 1, 2026, covering a “Dojo season,” “Major Events,” and additional qualifiers. Players from all 15 eligible regions, now including Madagascar and Ivory Coast can register and compete.
Africa’s Growing Presence in TEKKEN Esports
This update echoes a broader trend of increasing African participation in major fighting-game circuits. For example, the West African country Côte d’Ivoire recently hosted a major event under the global tour of the franchise via Paradise Game Battle — a Master Event for the 2024 TEKKEN World Tour.
Meanwhile, regional challenger tournaments have been held in Madagascar, drawing local and continental talent and helping build momentum for competitive TEKKEN on the continent.
What’s Next — Implications and Hopes
For African players and esports communities, this development presents concrete opportunities:
- Increased access to official, high-profile tournaments without the need to relocate or travel extensively.
- A chance for African talent to earn visibility on global leaderboards and possibly qualify for international finals.
- Encouragement for local esports organizations to build infrastructure, host local tournaments, and form stronger community networks.
- A symbol of inclusion that could inspire youth across Africa to pursue esports seriously — whether competitively, as content creators, or event organizers.
