Esports is taking the world by storm, and South Africa is no exception. Telkom VS Gaming Weekly, co-hosted by George Mnguni, has become a must-watch for fans.
We sat down with Mnguni to chat about his experiences, the exciting future of esports, and how he is using his platform to empower the next generation of gamers.
Living the Dream: Hosting VS Gaming Weekly
Co-hosting VS Gaming Weekly on SABC 1 is a dream come true for George.
“It’s an unbelievable situation,” says Mnguni, “literally talking about video games with a best friend on such a huge platform.”
It’s a testament to the booming popularity of esports, and Mnguni is excited to be a part of it.
Esports Content Creation: Beyond the Gameplay
Mnguni sees a bright future for esports content creation. While he currently enjoys watching from the sidelines, he can’t wait to “dive deeper” into the South African esports scene. Integrating esports commentary and analysis offers exciting possibilities for his YouTube channel and future broadcasts.
Esports as a Career Path: From Passion to Paycheck
For young gamers, esports offers a chance to turn passion into a career. A decade ago, this was unthinkable, but now sponsorships and competitive opportunities are making esports a viable career choice.
“It allows you to wake up every single day and hone that craft,” shares Mnguni.
Building Brand Partnerships in the Esports Ecosystem
Mnguni sees his influencer status as a perfect fit for brand partnerships within esports.
He shared that he can communicate messages from brands in a way that resonates with his audience because of his genuine passion for gaming.
Raising Awareness: College Esports Scholarships
College esports scholarships are a game-changer, and Mnguni wants to spread the word. “Information is key,” he says.
By raising awareness, he hopes to connect viewers with life-altering scholarship opportunities.
Beyond the Stereotypes: Showcasing the Dedication of Esports Athletes
Esports athletes face criticism about addiction and inactivity. Mnguni believes showcasing their dedication and training through interviews can change public perception.
“We need to enlighten people on their plights and the professionalism required to compete at the top level,” emphasized Mnguni.
Engaging the Audience: Interactive Viewing and Community
George sees the interactive elements and passionate online communities as key strengths of esports broadcasts.
“I think broadcasting tournaments on the show really helps with the engaging experience because viewers actually watch the intense match up and get to see them unfold and even sometimes live tweet and interact with the show on their opinions and comments about what they’re actually seeing unfold,” Mnugni shares.
The Future of Sports Broadcasting: Traditional Meets Esports
With his background in both TV and digital media, Mnugni sees a future where traditional sports broadcasting embraces esports.
“As brands realize the potential of esports,” he says, “more people will start to take it seriously.”
Bridging the Gap: Traditional Sports Fans and Esports
Mnguni envisions a future where traditional and esports audiences connect.
“A cross pollination of traditional athletes and esports athletes on shows like VS Gaming Weekly can diversify thefan base and attract new viewers,” he adds
Authenticity in Sponsorships: Aligning Brand and Audience
Esports sponsorship deals can be lucrative, but authenticity is crucial. George believes gamers should only partner with brands they genuinely use or align with in values. This ensures their audience receives a genuine message.
Esports on the Olympic Stage?
The future of esports is bright. Mnguni shares that it has the potential to be included in the Olympics.
“Esports tournament viewership is getting larger each year,” says Mnguni.
With the industry’s immense revenue, esports could be a major addition to the Olympic Games.
Looking Ahead: Growing with VS Gaming and Empowering the Community
Mnguni’s aspirations are large. He wants to see VS Gaming become the leading authority on esports in South Africa, “a place where beginners and veterans can come together.”
By building trust and empowering the community, Mnguni is ready to take VS Gaming Weekly and their career to the next level.
