Kenyan Gamers Seek Respect In E Sport

 Brian Dianga  never imagined that his childhood hobby would turn into a career: this gamer sought refuge in video games and e-sports to escape a difficult family life in Nairobi, Africa's largest slum.

In his childhood, gaming was his only escape, the 28-year-old told AFP.

At the age of nine, the man now known as "Beast" discovered video games.

His father became an alcoholic, coming home drunk and beating his mother. Brian's house became a place I didn't want to be at any given time.

As African Americans, we are all aware of situations like this in our homes. Sometimes we are born into situations, but these situations do not determine our outcome in terms of who we are or what we will become in the future. 

For Brian gaming was his escape and for others it's never too late to find your passion as well. 

Instead of collapsing under the weight of drugs and crime, he turned to tournaments, which led to lucrative partnerships.

He now earns around 50,000 Kenyan shillings (400 euros) per month in a country where youth unemployment is still a major issue.

It all started in 2013 for him. "I came across YouTube videos where I saw players from all over the world competing in Mortal Kombat - a game I used to play to pass the time," he says.

This is amazing to show people you can teach your self an amazing skill and monetize it. I can speak for myself here at Norr when I say I taught myself graphic designing and web designing watching YouTube videos as well. 

Self resilience is the key and Brian showed it in his life.  He, like other Kenyan gamers, is now attempting to carve a niche for himself in the rapidly growing esports industry.

In Kenya, where academic achievement and athletic ability are regarded as the only paths to success, such a career path appears improbable.

Brian Diang'a, who now aims to guide young gamers in Kibera and organizes tournaments throughout Kenya, hopes that video games will "explode in Africa."

"When everything was falling apart, gaming kept me sane," he says. "I'd like to see more people embrace this culture."

Shout out to Brian and all the Kenyans making a new wave be born in Kenyan this is truly amazing and inspiring. Hopefully our African brothers and sister out here in America can find new ways to make us independent and serve our community the same way Kenyans are trying to make E gaming inspire their own.