Egyptian gamer Anas Badr emerged as the new African EA Sports FC 26 champion after producing a dominant performance at Kigali’s BK Arena, sweeping compatriot Toxic Joe in the tournament final.
Badr sealed the continental title with two commanding victories, winning the opening encounter 5-3 before completing the job with a 6-3 triumph in the second match.
His victory capped the second edition of the African eSports tournament held in Rwanda alongside the SportsBiz Africa Forum 2026, which brought together stakeholders exploring the growth of sports business and investment across the continent.
The EA Sports FC 26 competition attracted some of Africa’s leading competitive gamers, with 16 players who had survived the group stage returning to BK Arena for the final day. They competed for a share of a $10,000 prize pool, equivalent to more than Rwf14.7 million.
Badr’s route to the title included victories over defending champion Zaid April in the semi-finals. April had been attempting to retain the championship after winning the inaugural edition, but his campaign ended against the Egyptian newcomer.
In the other semi-final, Toxic Joe defeated fellow Egyptian Moaaz Ahmed Ibrahim, who had reached last year’s final, to book an all-Egyptian showdown.
The final was contested as a best-of-three series, allowing both players to choose their preferred teams and players. Badr’s ability to maintain control across both games saw him claim the championship without needing a third match.
Toxic Joe settled for second place, while Zaid April finished third and Moaaz took fourth.
Rwanda’s representatives, meanwhile, were unable to progress beyond the group stage. Samy, Tresol, Franklin and Nyamwasa Praise, the country’s highest-ranked player in the competition, all missed out on the knockout rounds.
The tournament also featured an eFootball Mobile category, expanding the competition beyond console gaming. Morocco’s Anass Moussa won the mobile title, with Alexis Sharangabo presenting him with the trophy.
Gamers from 16 African countries participated, alongside players from India. African representation included Egypt, South Africa, Somalia, Kenya, Nigeria, Algeria, Tanzania, Cameroon, Uganda, Ghana, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
Nigeria’s Faruk Manzo, who entered the competition among the players expected to make a deep run, was eliminated in the round of 16, while Somalia’s Nhaych was among those competing on the final day.
The matches were accompanied by live commentary and analysis, adding to the atmosphere inside BK Arena as fans followed the continent’s leading virtual football players.
Badr’s unbeaten run throughout the competition ultimately proved decisive, establishing him as the latest African champion in a rapidly developing eSports scene.
