Kasi-Flare: Levelling Up Esports in South Africa’s Townships

Kasi-Flare isn’t just another gaming tournament; it’s a movement. Co-hosted by Mettlestate and Penrose Esports, this tournament is on a mission to democratise gaming in South Africa by putting the spotlight on talent from where it’s often overlooked: the townships.

Esports is growing quickly worldwide, but access to competitive esports opportunities in South Africa remains divided. That’s where Kasi-Flare comes in. Designed to create a real pathway for gamers from under-resourced communities, this tournament brings structure, visibility, and opportunity to aspiring esports athletes who might otherwise be excluded.

Gaming Hubs: The Heartbeat of the Tournament

The 2025 season of Kasi-Flare kicked off with the first split, in which 20 gaming hubs across townships nationwide hosted qualifiers, inviting local players to battle it out for a chance to represent their community on a national stage. The winner of each hub earned their share of the qualifiers prize pool and a spot at the Split 1 Finals held in Johannesburg.

The Split 1 Finals: Community, Competition, and Big Moments

The final event was a celebration of esports. The top player from each hub was brought to Johannesburg for a weekend of fierce competition and community. One thing was very clear at the finals: Kasi-Flare isn’t just a competition, it’s a passion and an avenue for success.

Day 1 of the finals featured all champions battling it out to secure a spot in the Top 8. The level of play was intense, with every match reflecting the passion and grind that defines gaming.

The final eight players who emerged were:

• Fezjeka
• Zaheer
• BeesWax
• Pro
• KatlegoM (the reigning champion)
• Uchiha
• Iggy_009
• Hunter 95

A Showdown to Remember

Day 2 was where legends were made. The top 8 players brought their A-game in front of an electrified crowd. But very quickly, two names rose above the rest: Zaheer and KatlegoM.

Zaheer, a relative newcomer, came out swinging. He claimed the first two games of the final match with precision and composure. But KatlegoM, the defending champion, wasn’t ready to give up his crown. He dug deep and took the third game in a dramatic comeback, sending a jolt of energy through the venue.

It was a rollercoaster of emotions, a true esports classic in the making. Every goal, every save, every celebration had the crowd on edge. In the end, Zaheer dethroned KatlegoM and emerged at Kasi-Flare’s first victor for 2025.

More Than a Game

What sets Kasi-Flare apart isn’t just the structure, it’s the purpose. It’s about access. It’s about giving gamers from townships the chance to experience the competitive side of gaming in a professional setting and providing them with new opportunities to succeed. It’s about proving that talent lives everywhere.

By hosting events like these in collaboration with local hubs, Mettlestate and Penrose Esports aren’t just hosting tournaments – they’re building infrastructure, creating career pathways, and sparking ambition where it’s long been ignored.

What’s Next?

With Split 1 wrapped up, attention now shifts to Split 2, followed by the grand finals later in the year. As momentum builds, so does the reach of Kasi-Flare. More hubs, more players, more impact. Gaming belongs to everyone. Kasi-Flare is proving it, one township at a time.

And whether you’re a fan, a player, or someone who simply believes in the power of opportunity, Kasi-Flare is a reminder of what happens when talent is given a stage and community is put first. Be sure to check out the latest news and follow the action here.