The Power of Video Games and Perseverance

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/02/20/1149769554/brian-thee-beast-fights-his-way-to-kenyan-gaming-domination

Gaming has been seen as a meaningless hobby or as causing violence, but for Kenya's Brian "Thee Beast" Diang'a, video games were a respite and a cause of hope.

Credit: Kibera Gaming Photos

Diang'a was introduced to gaming as a little kid and through many hardships in his life, playing video games became a bit of light in an otherwise dark situation. He had a difficult childhood growing up in a slum outside of Nairobi called Kibera and he endured a lot of hardship. But he said that going through all of that made him stronger and more capable as an individual. Diang'a said, "Growing up in the ghetto prepares you for a tough life, there is no sign of weakness when living in slums like Kibera... You know if you have mental toughness you don't get tired quickly and exhausted."

As an adult, Diang'a encountered video game competitions first as just for fun, before becoming recognized for his skills in local gaming tournaments, especially in "Mortal Kombat" tournaments, which is how he earned his nickname of "Thee Beast." He has been able to make gaming professionally not just a job, but also as a way to help his community. He mentors the local kids and teaches multiple classes in programming, art and photography in Kibera. In addition to helping his community in this way, he is also a volunteer firefighter and stated that if he hadn't gotten into gaming, he would have done that professionally. He is attending his first international tournament in person this year and hopes to be able to get sponsors and be able to create safe spaces for kids to come and play games and learn.

I picked this story because of the connection to one of my interests, but also to hear a story from somewhere that I wouldn't expect and I enjoyed the chance to learn something about the world and about interesting people who are doing good. I will be looking for him in upcoming tournaments.