eSports has become a massive industry in recent years, boasting hundreds of millions of players worldwide, and Telkom has noticed.

Sub-Saharan Africa is no exception to this growth as, since 2015, the number of gamers present in the region has risen to 186 million from 77 million in 2015.

This considerable growth represents an untapped potential that Telkom has recognised and acted upon.

Throughout the last few years, the telecommunications company has drastically expanded its services for gamers.

Telkom has begun offering data services with gamers in mind.

Primarily this has come in the form of funding for eSports and the expansion of the competitive gaming scene in South Africa through VS Gaming.

To support this expansion, Telkom has set up several different competitive leagues to build awareness for eSports and make the field more inclusive.

Along with the Outside Masters, Championship and eDisiki, VS Gaming also offers the High School eSports League (HSEL).

HSEL is currently one of South Africa’s most significant development projects in the gaming sphere and focuses on promoting eSports in schools.

This is done by providing leagues and structures at a grassroots level that allow students to engage in and understand the sport.

Telkom isn’t just promoting leagues but also providing hardware bundles.

Telkom VS Gaming has also launched a mobile gaming league within the Telkom Plus subscription platform that gives more casual players access to hundreds of mobile games and the chance to join a league.

Telkom clearly intends to spearhead the industry’s growth in South Africa and capitalise on the growing demand for eSports and gaming in general in South Africa.

Telkom’s investment in gaming is great news, as it may encourage further development from other businesses and groups that will help improve the local gaming industry for everyone.

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