Kenya’s Street Fighter 6 top seed, Bilal Mohammed, is gearing up for one of the biggest challenges of his career at the DreamHack Birmingham 2026 Cup, scheduled for March 28–29 in the United Kingdom.
The tournament doubles as an official Esports World Cup qualifying stage, attracting competitors from 38 nations, all battling for just two coveted slots at the global finals.
Bilal, who was crowned African champion in 2024, enters the competition with renewed confidence. His European debut at EVO France 2025 saw him finish 97th out of 1,644 players, a performance that gave him valuable experience against top-tier talent.
Reflecting on that journey, Bilal noted that he now understands the demands of competing outside Africa and believes the lessons learned will fuel his push in Birmingham. His determination is clear, he wants to make Kenya proud on the global stage.
“I can say that I now have an understanding of what it takes to compete against players from Europe and other regions outside Africa. The lessons from our debut in France and the hard work that I have put in will definitely carry me through. I just want to make my country proud,” said Bilal.
The Esports Kenya Federation has thrown its weight behind Bilal, with President Ronny Lusigi praising him as a product of the federation’s growing structures.
Lusigi emphasized that Bilal’s rise is proof of Kenya’s commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring players gain exposure at the highest levels.
He pointed out that just a few years ago, Kenyan esports athletes rarely featured in European competitions, but today they are becoming regulars, signaling a new era for the country’s gaming scene.
Street Fighter 6, the game in which Bilal competes, is one of the most recognized titles in the fighting game community. Played in 1v1 format, often on PlayStation 5, it demands precision, strategy, and mental toughness.
Bilal’s mastery of the game has already made him a continental champion, and now he has the chance to prove himself against the world’s best.
As the countdown to DreamHack Birmingham continues, excitement is building not only for Bilal but also for Kenyan esports fans. His participation represents more than just individual ambition—it is a symbol of Kenya’s growing presence in global esports.
