By: Abdul Razack Gbla
In a bid to facilitate youth engagement and embrace the booming world of esports, Orange SL, Sierra Leone’s leading telecommunication company, orchestrated the Orange Esport Experience at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM-USL) on Monday, March 18, 2024.
The event, part of a larger initiative, saw twenty-four students from various departments showcasing their gaming prowess in the exhilarating realm of PlayStation Fifa. As the competition unfolded, tensions ran high, leading to an intense face-off in the final round between Ibrahim Koroma from the Applied Accounting department and Billor Barrie from the Information Systems department.
Ultimately, Ibrahim Koroma emerged victorious, claiming the title of champion and securing a coveted spot in the grand national Orange SL Esport competition. This grand tournament promises a substantial prize of thirty million Old Leone, now equivalent to thirty thousand new Leones. Notably, the winner of this national contest will also earn the opportunity to represent Sierra Leone on the international stage, competing for an even grander prize.
In a statement following his triumph, Ibrahim Koroma, the victor of the Orange Esport Experience at IPAM, expressed his elation and gratitude for the opportunity provided by Orange SL. “Winning this tournament is a dream come true,” he remarked. “I am grateful to Orange SL for organizing such an incredible event and giving us the chance to showcase our skills. This victory has not only boosted my confidence but also opened doors to exciting opportunities. I am eager to represent Sierra Leone on the national stage and, hopefully, on the international platform as well. This is just the beginning of my esports journey, and I am determined to make the most of it.” His words echoed the sentiments of many participants, showing the significance of the Orange Esport Experience in empowering Sierra Leonean youth and propelling them towards success in the burgeoning world of esports.
The Orange Esport Experience stands as a proof to Orange SL’s commitment to nurturing the talents of young Sierra Leoneans. By partnering with Esport Sierra Leone, the company aims to propel the growth of esports within the country and beyond, empowering the youth to partake in the global phenomenon.
Additionally, Orange SL announced the launch of the Orange Esport Experience University Tournament Sierra Leone, inviting students from twelve universities across the country to compete for glory and lucrative prizes.
Participants will have the chance to represent their respective universities in this thrilling competition, vying for the top honors and a chance to claim the coveted 1st prize of NLE 30,000. The runner-up will not go empty-handed, with the 2nd prize offering NLE 15,000, while the 3rd prize winner will receive NLE 5,000.
As expressed by a representative of Orange SL, Philip Emeh Digital Communications and Sponsorship Manager, the competition not only offers substantial rewards but also serves as a platform for participants to hone their skills and potentially embark on a journey towards international acclaim. With a hug prize awaiting the victor and the prospect of competing in prestigious international tournaments, the Orange Esport Experience signifies a significant stride towards empowering the next generation of Sierra Leonean gamers.
