Collo Gamer wins Phoenix Tournament, and what a way to announce himself as a Phoenix Esports player. Barely a day after officially leaving Z Esports, the player also known as Ceaser walked into one of the strongest FC 26 tournaments Kenya has seen this season and walked out with victory.
There were no easy games. No easy opponents. Just one big statement.
Table of Contents
A Tournament Packed With East Africa’s Biggest Names
The Phoenix Tournament attracted 39 players, including almost every top EA SPORTS FC player in Kenya.
ALSO READ: Shaq Joins Phoenix Esports After Three Successful Years at Z Esports
Among the teamsa represented were:
- Phoenix Esports – Ado, Haruun Haruun, Telki, Delo, Sam Jr, Shaq, Marlone, Prince and Jesse
- SC Esports – Venom, Tank, Kile and Scad
- Inner Circle – Fab, Mcallimoney and Opto99
- TR Esports – Regulus, Lil Pip and Prorate
- Horizon – Fox In The Box
- Santiago eHub – Mcoasty (Batman), Dav8 and BrayoVin
The tournament also featured household names such as two-time eLigue 1 champion Demon, Harry Kappa, 2025 eLigue 1 champion Jojo Depay and veteran AJ Milito. With a KSh 40,000 prize pool on the line, every match felt like a final.
ALSO READ: Jojo Depay Becomes Free Agent Following Rangers Esports Contract End
Collo Gamer Wins Phoenix Tournament – His Road To Glory
The defending Phoenix Tournament champion came into the event carrying plenty of expectations. His campaign almost took a wrong turn when he narrowly lost 4-3 to Dav8 in the Winners Quarter-finals.
Instead of folding, Collo produced one of the tournament’s best comeback stories – Collo Gamer wins Phoenix tournament. After losing to Dav8 in the winner’s bracket, his journey through the Losers Bracket included victories over:
- Haruun Haruun
- Mcoasty (Batman)
- Harry Kappa
- Prorate
That earned him another meeting with Dav8. This time, there would be no heartbreak. Collo Gamer defeated Dav8 8-5 to book his place in the Grand Final against Phoenix teammate Ado.
ALSO READ: The Shaq Era at Z Esports: How a Teenager Became One of Kenya’s Best FC Players
Because of time constraints, both players agreed to settle the tournament win in a single match instead of resetting the bracket. Collo Gamer dominated. A convincing 7-2 victory secured the win and saw him successfully defend the Phoenix Tournament title – this time wearing Phoenix colours.
Prorate Nearly Produced The Story Of The Day
While Collo Gamer lifted the trophy, Prorate’s tournament deserves plenty of praise. After losing his opening Winners Bracket match to Marlone, the TR Esports player looked down and out. Instead, he turned the Losers Bracket into his personal playground.
One after another, opponents fell. Prince. Opto99. Lil Pip. Marlone in a revenge match. Ibrah.
His remarkable run eventually came to an end when Collo Gamer edged him 9-8 in one of the closest matches of the tournament. Even in defeat, Prorate reminded everyone why he remains one of Kenya’s most dangerous competitors.
ALSO READ: Africa Ultimate Series Results: Prorate Stages Sensational Comeback in Grand Final
Shaq’s Phoenix Debut Ends Early
There was also huge interest surrounding Shaq, who had officially joined Phoenix Esports just a day earlier after breaking the record for the most consecutive Africa Ultimate Series titles. The tournament, however, didn’t go according to plan.
Shaq suffered a surprise 6-3 defeat to Ibrah in his opening Winners Bracket fixture before another 6-3 loss to Jojo Depay ended his campaign earlier than many expected. It wasn’t the debut he had hoped for, but considering the form he has shown in recent weeks, few would bet against him bouncing back quickly.
Prize Pool
Prize Pool: KSh 40,000
- 1st – KSh 15,000 (Collo Gamer)
- 2nd – KSh 10,000 (Ado)
- 3rd – KSh 6,000 (Dav8)
- 4th – KSh 4,000 (Prorate)
- 5th – KSh 3,000 (Ibrah)
- 5th – KSh 2,000 (Harry Kappa)
Why It Matters
This wasn’t just another local tournament. It was the first opportunity to see Shaq and Collo Gamer compete as Phoenix Esports players following their high-profile move from Z Esports.
While Shaq’s debut ended earlier than expected, Collo Gamer couldn’t have scripted a better start. Winning one of Kenya’s toughest FC 26 tournaments against a field packed with elite players sends a clear message to the rest of East Africa.
Collo Gamer Wins Phoenix Tournament, and if this debut is anything to go by, Phoenix Esports’ newest signing is only getting started.
Here’s the Challonge for the tournament.
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