Karangatha promises better in future Olympics Esports Series

Kenya was well represented in the inaugural Olympic Esports Series 2023 Motor Sports Event as rally driver Sam Karangatha took part in the competition held in Singapore.

Karangatha, a renowned motorsport driver who has been in the rallying and autocross scene for years competed against a world class field finishing 14th in the category of drivers selected by FIA's affiliated National Sporting Authorities.

“It's been an awesome opportunity to compete in the inaugural Olympic Esports Series and represent the Kenyan flag. Qualified 14th in Group 2 which wasn't enough for the finals on this occasion. We go stronger next time. Thanks all! (sic),” he wrote after the competition held on the weekend.

The Olympic Esports Series 2023 is a global virtual and simulated sports competition, created by the IOC, in collaboration with International Federations (IFs) and game publishers.

In addition to motorsport, a wide range of other sports are to be included. The motorsport event was regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and operated by Polyphony Digital Inc. (PDI) using Gran Turismo 7.

As part of Olympic Esports Week 2023, the Olympic Esports Finals 2023 comprised of the ‘Final Pre-Qualifying Round’ where the 11 finalists were decided, and the 'Olympic Esports Final 2023 Live Event' where the finalists joined the representative driver from Singapore for a 12-way race.

French driver Kylian Drumont won the inaugural event ahead of Will Murdoch of United Kingdom and Chilean Angel Inostroza.