Konke Gamers hosted the first Adaptive Esports Tournament in Africa this past July
On 4 July 2026, Konke Gamers proudly hosted KGAET26, Africa’s very first Adaptive Esports Tournament. What started as a dream to make gaming more accessible became a day filled with excitement, emotion, fierce competition and unforgettable moments.
The day before the event was exhausting. Our team spent hours setting up the venue, testing equipment, arranging gaming stations and making sure every detail was just right. By the time everything was finished, we stood back, looked around, and felt an incredible sense of pride. It had all come together.
That evening, over dinner, we spoke about what the next day might bring. We wondered how many people would arrive, whether everything would run smoothly and whether people would understand the vision behind the event.
We had done everything we could to prepare. Now, it was simply time to open the doors and hope people would share in what we had worked so hard to create.
For many people, gaming is just a hobby. It’s something they enjoy after work or school. Yet for many of the people who walked through our doors the next morning, gaming means so much more.
It can build confidence, improve motor and cognitive skills, create friendships, reduce isolation and provide a sense of independence.
Sadly, many people with disabilities are still unable to enjoy something that millions of others take for granted. KGAET26 was created to show that, with the right adaptive technology and support, everyone deserves the chance to play.
The response exceeded anything we could have imagined. More than 100 people attended the tournament, including players, families, therapists, healthcare professionals, volunteers, gaming enthusiasts, and members of the public.
Considering our original goal was simply to see double figures through the doors, seeing the venue buzzing with people was both surreal and incredibly rewarding.
From the moment the event began, there was an energy in the room that is difficult to put into words. Laughter echoed across the venue, cheers erupted during close matches, complete strangers encouraged one another and everywhere you looked people were smiling. It felt less like a tournament and more like a community coming together.
One of the biggest honours for Konke Gamers was welcoming Jordan, Director of Able Gamers, who travelled all the way from the United States to be part of the event.
Able Gamers has been a global leader in adaptive gaming for many years, and having Jordan there reinforced just how significant this moment was. His support and encouragement reminded us that accessibility is a worldwide movement, and that South Africa now has an important place within it.
Visitors had the opportunity to experience gaming across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC, all equipped with adaptive controllers and customised setups. We also had classic arcade machines on display, which quickly became a favourite as different generations gathered around to play together.
One of our biggest challenges during the day wasn’t setting up the equipment, it was knowing when to hand the controller back because we were enjoying ourselves just as much as everyone else!
One of the things that made KGAET26 so special was that no two gaming stations looked exactly alike. Every participant had different abilities, so every setup was adjusted to meet their individual needs. For some, it was the first time they had ever played a video game independently. For others, it was their first opportunity to compete on equal terms and show everyone just how skilled adaptive gamers can be.
There were countless moments throughout the day that will stay with us forever. We watched nervous players become confident competitors within minutes. We saw people who had never picked up a controller before suddenly celebrating their first victory.
Families stood watching with tears in their eyes as sons, daughters, mothers and fathers experienced something they had once believed would never be possible.
Those moments reminded us exactly why Konke Gamers exists. No trophy or sponsorship could ever compare to seeing someone discover that they can play. The tournament was about far more than gaming. It also brought together organisations and businesses that are making a real difference in the disability community.
Visitors had the chance to meet the amazing teams from Made For More, ICON Durban, Niki Singh Occupational Therapy, Dusted Ink and SensePilot to learn about products, services and technologies that continue to improve people’s lives.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors and partners. Gooderson Tropicana Hotel generously sponsored the venue, providing the perfect accessible location for the event. They also donated the raffle prizes, adding even more excitement throughout the day. DIY Electronics proudly sponsored our tournament trophies, giving competitors something special to celebrate their achievements.
Behind the scenes, an incredible group of volunteers worked tirelessly from start to finish. Whether they were helping set up equipment, assisting players, answering questions or simply offering encouragement, every volunteer played a part in creating an environment where everyone felt welcome, supported and included.
When people ask what the biggest success of KGAET26 was, it isn’t the attendance numbers or the tournament winners that come to mind. It’s the confidence we saw grow throughout the day. It’s the friendships that were formed, the conversations that challenged perceptions of disability and the smiles that never seemed to disappear. Those are the moments that mattered most.
Events like KGAET26 also remind us that gaming is about much more than entertainment. Research continues to show that gaming can improve problem-solving, communication, hand-eye coordination, cognitive function and mental wellbeing. For many people with disabilities, adaptive gaming also provides independence, meaningful social interaction and opportunities that extend far beyond the screen.
Hosting Africa’s first Adaptive Esports Tournament is something Konke Gamers will always be proud of. We remain committed to growing adaptive gaming across South Africa, building new partnerships, introducing more accessible technology, and creating even more opportunities for people with disabilities to play, compete, connect and thrive.
