Bravado Gaming is South Africa’s premier multi-gaming organization and serves as home to some of the best local and international competitive gamers. Bravado is one of South Africa’s premier esports teams and has been at the forefront of the local competitive gaming scene for more than 10 years and is currently the reigning Telkom VS Gaming Masters after their big win in 2021. Telkom VS Gaming sat down with Tristan Rens, General Manager at Bravado Gaming, to understand how esports has changed their organisation.
As one of the fastest-growing digital networks in Africa, Telkom VS Gaming aim take to local gaming to the next level by providing improved spectator access, increased awareness, education and a fun, social and rewarding environment for both pros and casual gaming enthusiasts. VS Gaming aspires to create an environment that brings gaming to life in a way that you have never experienced it before. Like Telkom VS Gaming, Bravado is looking to shift the narrative of esports from a hobby to a lifestyle and career opportunity.
“It is our aim to help the progression of esports both locally and internationally by raising levels of competition and increasing public involvement and developing corporate opportunities,” says Rens.
Rens made a name for himself as a former Fortnite Captain for Bravado and has now stepped into a leadership role at Bravado Gaming and believes that the team has a very bright future. Winning the 2021 Telkom VS Gaming Masters for the second time, remains a pivotal moment in the team’s history.
“From when I was young the Bravado brand was always the stand-out team in South Africa. Last year’s win has made them hungry for more success and they are excited about the future prospects of the South African gaming environment,” adds Rens,
While the team’s success in tournaments has been instrumental in the team’s future, Rens believes that there is still a common stereotype in the gaming industry that needs to change. For Bravado, gaming is a common passion and the end goal is to be the premier representation for South Africa and breaking the stereotype that it is just playing games.
Bravado Gaming and Telkom VS Gaming share a similar goal in aiming to educate others about the positive effects of gaming and how it can actually be beneficial in one’s life. VS Gaming has been playing a very important role in bolstering the image of competitive gaming locally as well as increasing awareness and providing endless opportunities for South African gamers.
“For a large amount of our history, VS Gaming allowed for not only our players, coaches, management and Bravado as a whole to thrive in a competitive environment but provided an important platform and influence in helping build the competitive integrity and culture of esports in South Africa,” says Rens.
As the popularity of esports grows, the way that brands, teams and players operate in the industry provides more opportunities for full-time careers not just as a professional gamer but other skills within the gaming sphere such as casters, analysts, and player management, tournament administration, event management and content creators etc. The various opportunities in the industry further broaden the inclusivity element of esports.
” At the end of the day we have only scratched the surface on the possibilities and benefits that gaming can bring and as the industries and all of its ecosystems continue to grow so will the competitive scene that is esports,” says Rens.
As we enter the digital age we will see esports become much more prevalent as an entertainment medium, educational tool and as well as professional sport. The rise in esports will provide many South Africans with a new medium to take advantage of and VS Gaming is determined to make sure South Africans have access to it.
