THE RISE OF E-FOOTBALL IN CAMEROON: ANALYSIS OF THE G2G E-DAMBA COMMUNITY
The phenomenon of electronic sports (e-sports) is progressively structuring itself in Cameroon, notably through the emergence of discipline-specific associations. Among these organizations, G2G E-Damba has established itself as a key reference in the field of virtual football (formerly PES, now eFootball). This article examines the origins, evolution, and prospects of this community, illustrating the mechanisms of professionalization and institutionalization of Cameroonian e-sports.
Origins and Historical Development
The G2G E-Damba community originated in 2018, the result of an initiative by a small group of five to six enthusiasts of Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) and advanced digital technologies. This initial core progressively consolidated around clearly identified founding values: social cohesion, playful passion, competitive spirit, and collective dynamism. Its initial structure was built through digital platforms, notably a WhatsApp group, which served as an incubator for this emerging community.
Initially informal, the organization quickly expanded its influence nationwide through an active policy of scouting both emerging and experienced talents across different gaming spaces in the country. This expansionist strategy allowed the collective to establish a competitive dominance in tournaments organized by various actors within the Cameroonian gaming ecosystem, including multinational companies and digital entertainment establishments.
The transition to a more formal structure occurred in parallel with the evolution of the game itself, which abandoned the name PES to become eFootball in 2022. This identity transformation prompted internal reflection on the necessity of an organizational evolution, ultimately leading to the development of a structured associative project.
Organizational Structure and Demographics
Today, G2G E-Damba presents a formally hierarchical organizational architecture, structured around an executive board chaired by Mr. FOUDA Johan. This governance is based on a clearly defined strategic vision for the development of Cameroonian e-sports, with precise short, medium, and long-term objectives.
On a demographic level, the organization is structured into two main segments:
An associative core of around 40 members, of whom 50% are active competitors.
An extended community estimated at around 400 individuals.
The geographical distribution of members reflects a diversified national presence with variable concentrations:
Yaoundé: 18 players
Douala: 7 players
Bafoussam: 5 players
Kribi: 1 player
Garoua: 2 players
This national presence is complemented by an international extension with representatives in five countries across three continents (Africa, North America, and Europe):
Namibia: 1 player
Canada: 3 players
France: 1 player
Germany: 1 player
United States: 1 player
This geographical configuration demonstrates a remarkable capacity to maintain community cohesion beyond physical borders, a characteristic intrinsic to electronic sports.
Competitive Framework and Community Practices
To maintain the performance level of its members and strengthen community cohesion, G2G E-Damba has established a structured activity calendar including various competitive formats:
1. E-Football Rankings: A monthly inclusive competition gathering all members regardless of location, thanks to hybrid (in-person and online) formats. These tournaments, held every last Sunday of the month, offer financial prizes (cash prizes).
2. G2G E-Damba Playoffs: A national elite tournament bringing together the top three players from each major urban hub (Yaoundé, Douala, Bafoussam). This event is the association’s flagship competition, awarding the prestigious title of national champion.
3. Remix de la retraite on PC & Console: An
integrative format allowing less active players to challenge the leaders of the rankings, thus facilitating competitive reintegration and maintaining an inclusive dynamic.
4. Tape sort E-Damba: A battle royale-style format rooted in Cameroonian gaming tradition, where the winner of a match stays on to successively face all other competitors. This culturally grounded formula rewards endurance and consistent performance.
In addition to these formalized events, the association regularly organizes training sessions in various configurations (individual duels, cooperative matchups), either in person or remotely, thereby promoting the technical and tactical improvement of its members.
Achievements and Strategic Outlook
The association’s activity reports reveal a constant progression in the structuring of its initiatives. The year 2023 was marked by the consolidation of monthly competitions (E-Football Rankings) and the inaugural organization of the G2G E-Damba Playoffs. The year 2024 represented an organizational turning point with the holding of the first general assembly, reaffirming the priority of the association’s formal legalization.
Initiatives deployed in 2025, including the introduction of new competitive formats (Remix de la retraite and Tape sort E-Damba), demonstrate a continuous capacity for innovation and adaptation to community expectations.
Short-term goals are focused on completing the administrative legalization process, an essential step for institutional recognition. The year 2026 is envisioned as a phase of revival for the association’s emblematic activities, with the resumption of monthly tournaments and the organization of the second edition of the G2G E-Damba Playoffs.
The development strategy also incorporates an ongoing policy of talent identification and integration, supported by transparent communication and the systematic openness of events to the public. This inclusive approach is complemented by active engagement on major social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter/X), facilitating the community’s visibility and accessibility.
The case study of G2G E-Damba illustrates the gradual institutionalization of e-sports in Cameroon, through the transformation of an informal collective into a structured organization with strategic objectives and sophisticated operational mechanisms. This evolution fits into a global movement recognizing electronic sports as a legitimate discipline while adapting to the specific Cameroonian context.
The combination of strong cultural roots (notably through certain traditional competitive formats) and international openness is a distinctive characteristic of this community. This duality allows it to make a significant contribution to Cameroon’s integration into the global e-sports ecosystem, while preserving authentic local expressions.
The community’s declared ambition for national dominance in eFootball, though confidently expressed, reflects not excessive pretension but a confidence based on a history of performance and a proven methodology for skills development. This stance illustrates the maturity of a community fully aware of its strengths and determined to represent Cameroon with dignity on the international e-sports scene.
Ronald DJOKO aka Totem Sisu,
Esports Africa News Cameroon,
Country Representative.
