No Play Like E-Play

Interest in eSports is rapidly picking up in South Africa, and Springbok player Ryan Kankowski is now fully into it, training and mentoring youngsters.

- Gypseenia Lion

South African Springbok player Ryan Kankowski has displayed his prowess in the open on rugby fields around the world.

Now, inside a closed room, the October born 32-year-old is playing a different game – and winning.

Kankowski welcomes FORBES AFRICA to the digital world of gaming at Nexus, a gaming hub situated in Randburg, northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s the rugby union player’s home from home surrounded by posters and the latest gaming memorabilia.

This is where he really lets loose.

The square-shaped building we are in resembles a Tetris block, and in the center is the Nexus café.

Enthusiastic gamers rush in and out of the retail store to either purchase the latest games or just catch up on the latest gaming trends.

Kankowski, dressed comfortably in a red sweater and grey pants, orders coffee.

“Getting on the field, you feel the atmosphere. But once you are there, you don’t see what is around you. You focus on what is happening in front of you. It’s the same with eSports. You are watching on a big screen, when you do something right, the people cheer for you. You can see and feel the excitement. It makes you want to get bigger and better every year,” he says, as he sips the hot beverage.

“I once played for 20 hours non-stop. You don’t do anything in between. Once you start playing, you just don’t stop.”

Coming from a competitive contact sport such as rugby, Kankowski uses the skills he has learned on the field. He takes pride in balance and discipline.