Harry Kappa, 21, will fly Kenya's flag at the Red Bull Wings Cup global finals in Miami in January 2027. 

This is after he was crowned the national champion and earned a place against gamers from 79 other countries.

Kappa, an Open League player, beat Prorate 2-0 in the national final on Saturday at Century Cinemax, Sarit, Nairobi.

The final capped a national competition that brought together the University League, which drew students from universities across the country, and the Open League, which gathered esports enthusiasts from different parts of Kenya.

Players advanced through home-and-away knockout matches decided on aggregate scores, with the leading performers from both leagues meeting in the national final.

In Miami, Kappa will join 80 finalists in a three-day contest to decide the Red Bull Wings Cup 2026 champion.

The tournament combines EA SPORTS FC 27 matches with real-life football challenges at Inter Miami's Nu Stadium.

Day one features tournament activities, day two brings group-stage matches and qualifiers, and the final day runs the quarter-finals, semi-finals and grand final.

Kappa admitted that winning the national final was a major milestone for him but the bigger challenge lies ahead.

"I know I will be competing against some of the best players in the world, so I intend to use the time before the tournament to sharpen my skills, study different playing styles and prepare,” he said.

He added: “My ambition is not just to participate, but to progress to the final stages and give Kenya something to celebrate."

Red Bull athlete Patrick Odongo praised the win as an important achievement.

"Competitive gaming is increasingly becoming part of the wider sports landscape. Like traditional sports, it demands discipline, preparation, strategy and the ability to perform under pressure," he said.

The victory comes as esports grows from recreational gaming into a commercial industry built on sponsorships, broadcasting, digital content and organised tournaments.

University competitions, online gaming communities and organised tournaments are widening participation in Kenya and opening opportunities in sports marketing, event management, broadcasting, content production, team management and gaming technology.