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The Ultimate Controller League Season 1 crowned its first-ever champion on Saturday, and it was Phoenix Esports star Shaq who walked away with the Ksh 5,000 top prize after edging teammate Collo Gamer 6-5 in a thrilling final at Highbury Gaming Experience, Hurlingham Square Mall in Nairobi, on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
The victory saw Shaq lift the inaugural UCL trophy, receive a medal, and write his name into the history books as the first champion of what promises to become one of Kenya’s biggest recurring FC 26 competitions. With 30 players turning up for the debut edition, the tournament delivered exactly what the organizers had hoped for; high-level competition featuring many of Kenya’s biggest FC 26 names.
ALSO READ: Ultimate Controller League Season 1 Set to Launch in Nairobi This Saturday
For Shaq, the victory was more than just another title. It was another statement that his move to Phoenix Esports is already paying off.
Ultimate Controller League Season 1 Delivers a Perfect Debut
The Ultimate Controller League Season 1 was played on PS5 in a single-elimination format, meaning there was no second chance once you lost. Every match mattered. Every mistake could send you home. By the end of the day, the final featured two teammates who have quickly become the hottest duo in Kenyan FC 26 – Shaq and Collo Gamer. It was fitting.
Both have dominated headlines since leaving Z Esports for Phoenix Esports just a few weeks ago, and once again they found themselves fighting for silverware. This time, Shaq edged the battle 6-5.
Shaq Continues His Incredible Run
Few players in Kenya have enjoyed a better month than Shaq. Just last weekend, he reached the final of the UP Next FC 26 Grand Finals before losing to Santiago eHub captain Mcoasty. Rather than letting that defeat slow him down, he responded exactly how champions do. He came back a week later and lifted another trophy.
ALSO READ: Mcoasty Wins UP Next FC 26 Grand Finals, Takes Home Ksh. 35,000 Prize
His path to the tournament win was impressive.
- 14-1 vs Mjigi Mwseet
- 19-2 vs Wakil
- 13-2 vs Dulo (Makaveli Esports)
- 5-4 vs Seazeh (Semifinal)
- 6-5 vs Collo Gamer (Final)
The scorelines tell their own story. Shaq barely looked troubled during the early rounds before surviving two difficult matches against Seazeh and Collo Gamer to seal the title. The victory also means Shaq has now reached the final in two consecutive major tournaments.
Collo Gamer’s Harder Route
Although he fell just short of the title, Collo Gamer arguably had the more difficult bracket. His opening challenge came against Horizon Esports captain Fox In The Box, one of Kenya’s most experienced competitors. Collo passed that test with a thrilling 10-8 victory.
Then came another difficult assignment. He faced Harry Kappa.
ALSO READ: Harry Kappa Wins Bramz Tournament Edition 2 After Incredible Bracket Reset
Few names carry as much respect in East African FC esports as Harry Kappa. The veteran remains the only East African player to compete professionally outside the region after featuring in Morocco’s eBotola league. For years, he has been regarded as one of East Africa’s greatest FC players.
Beating Harry Kappa is never an ordinary result. Collo did exactly that, winning 9-6 to announce that he belongs among Kenya’s elite. He wasn’t done. The Phoenix star then defeated teammate Delo 8-6 before knocking out SC Esports’ Ibrah 4-2 to book his place in the final. His remarkable run ended only after a heartbreaking 6-5 defeat against Shaq.
Phoenix Esports Are Becoming the Team to Beat
Only a month ago, Shaq and Collo Gamer were wearing Z Esports colours. Today, they are transforming Phoenix Esports into arguably the hottest team in Kenya.
Since arriving at the club, the duo has collected an incredible list of results. Collo Gamer started by winning Phoenix Esports’ tournament, earning Ksh 15,000 after resetting the bracket against teammate Ado in the final.
ALSO READ: Collo Gamer Wins Phoenix Tournament on Debut for Phoenix Esports
The following weekend, Shaq bounced back from an early exit in that tournament by winning the SC x Pelikan FIFA Tournament to pocket Ksh 7,500. Last weekend, Shaq reached the UP Next FC 26 Grand Finals before eventually losing to Mcoasty, earning Ksh 20,000 for finishing second.
Now, Phoenix has produced another champion. In four tournaments since joining the team, Shaq and Collo Gamer have won three titles and reached another major final. That level of consistency is difficult to ignore.
Seazeh and Ibrah Also Impress
While Phoenix stole most of the headlines, other players also had strong tournaments. Free agent Seazeh claimed third place after defeating SC Esports star Ibrah 4-2 on penalties following an entertaining 2-2 draw. The result earned Seazeh Ksh 1,500 and a bronze medal.
For Ibrah, fourth place adds another impressive finish to an already excellent month. Only weeks ago, the SC Esports player won the KTLR.AFRIKA x MKU Tournament, proving that his success was no accident. Another deep run at the Ultimate Controller League Season 1 further strengthens his reputation as one of Kenya’s most consistent FC 26 competitors.
ALSO READ: Ibrah Wins KTRL.AFRIKA Tournament After Beating Jojo Depay in Final
Kenya’s Biggest Names Answered the Call
The tournament may have been the first edition, but the quality on display suggested otherwise. Among the notable players who competed were:
- Shaq (Phoenix Esports)
- Collo Gamer (Phoenix Esports)
- Delo (Phoenix Esports)
- Ado (Phoenix Esports)
- Fox In The Box (Horizon Esports)
- Scad (SC Esports)
- Ibrah (SC Esports)
- Venom (SC Esports)
- Dulo (Makaveli Esports)
- Marksman (Butcher)
- Harry Kappa
- Seazeh
- Kijana wa Yesu
- Mascandal
Marksman, known to some gamers as Butcher, was playing on his first tournament since joining Z Esports a few days ago.
Having such a strong field in Season 1 is a positive sign for the future of the league.
Prize Distribution
- Shaq – Ksh 5,000, Trophy and Medal
- Collo Gamer – Ksh 2,500 and Silver Medal
- Seazeh – Ksh 1,500 and Bronze Medal
- Ibrah – Ksh 1,000
Every participant also received an official Ultimate Controller League Certificate of Participation.
Here’s the tournament’s challonge/bracket.
Why It Matters
The Ultimate Controller League Season 1 was never just about prize money. It marked the beginning of a monthly competition designed to give Kenyan FC 26 players regular, high-level tournaments where reputations can be built and new stars can emerge.
If Season 1 is anything to go by, Kenyan FC esports has found another event worth following. And fittingly, the first name etched onto the UCL trophy belongs to Shaq – a player who continues to prove that when the pressure is highest, he usually delivers.
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