In a very busy world, people are looking for ways to switch off from the stresses of day to day life and spend their time doing things that will relax and revive them. One activity that covers all of these bases is gaming, and it is something that more people, young and old, are spending time doing – be it on a casual or competitive basis. Even celebrities are big on the gaming train!
Brazilian football superstar, Neymar, is an avid Counter-Strike player, and Samuel L. Jackson has embraced the hobby and hosted several video game awards ceremonies over the years. Harry Kane, football player for Tottenham Hotspur and captain of the England national team, also noted in an interview that during the last World Cup, he and his team mates would play Fortnite in their free time! Even Mila Kunis has been quoted in interviews affirming that she’s big into casual gaming.
With the rise of mobile gaming, where mobile phones have become a console in your pocket, and companies like Vodacom are working hard at making gaming more accessible, it’s becoming easier for anyone to enjoy this pastime as and when they please. The growth of events such as Vodacom rAge, South Africa’s longest running gaming, technology and geek culture expo taking place from 27-29 September 2019, is also testament to the rise of gaming culture locally.
Neymar, Jackson, Kane and Kunis are just a drop in the ocean of celebs and sports stars from around the world who have a love for gaming. Closer to home, there are a number of celebs and sports personalities who are known to enjoy a good gaming session.
- Nasty C
This South African rapper, who needs no introduction, is big into gaming. So much so that Red Bull Gaming arranged to have PlayStation consoles set up in his recording studio for him to jam during recording sessions.
https://www.instagram.com/nasty_csa/
- Jamie Webber
Jamie Webber, soccer player for SuperSport United and Bafana Bafana, is a big fan of FIFA. When he’s not competing on the football pitch, you might spot him competing at FIFA esports tournaments across the country.
https://www.instagram.com/jamie_webber12/
- Rikki Brest
Actress, TV presenter and drummer, Rikki Brest, is not only an avid gamer but she streams too! If you tune in to her Twitch channel, you’ll find her streaming F1 and more.
https://www.instagram.com/rikkibrest/
- Trevor Noah
The host of the Daily Show is known to enjoy a good gaming session and was also involved with promoting the latest release of the Battlefield V franchise. One of the most entertaining videos you’ll see, is where Noah challenged professional basketball player, Joel Embiid, to a game of FIFA19 to see who deserved to be crowned king of the pitch. https://www.instagram.com/trevornoah/
- Ryan Kankowski
According to his Twitter bio, this pro rugby player notes himself as being a “wannabe gamer”. A familiar face at gaming and esports events across the country, Kankowski even signed to a South African gaming team to represent them in competitive PUBG.
- Maps Maponyane
With the launch of FIFA 20, it’s only fitting to highlight another familiar face who is a fan of the game. When he isn’t travelling the world and inspiring the youth, Maponyane is known to enjoy a game of FIFA among other titles on his console.
https://www.instagram.com/mmaponyane/
