From Passion to Business: How King Biriq Turned Gaming into a Career in Somalia

A self-taught gamer, digital entrepreneur and content creator, King Biriq is building a business around his passion for gaming while inspiring a new generation of Somali gamers to see opportunities beyond the screen.

For many young people, gaming is simply a way to pass the time. For others, it is a competitive hobby. But for King Biriq, a Somali gaming content creator and entrepreneur, what began as an interest in computers and the digital world has developed into a full-time business.

Since entering the gaming industry in June 2019, Biriq has spent seven years developing his skills, building an online audience and exploring the commercial opportunities within the gaming community.

His journey offers a different perspective on the growing digital economy in Somalia, where young entrepreneurs are increasingly finding ways to turn their interests and technical skills into income-generating businesses.

A Passion That Became a Profession

Biriq’s journey did not begin with a formal business plan or professional training. It started with a passion for computers and technology.

His curiosity about the digital world eventually led him towards gaming, where he began teaching himself, learning through experience and finding his place within the online gaming community.

In June 2019, he began creating gaming content and engaging with other players online.

Initially, gaming was something he enjoyed. However, after approximately two years in the industry, he began recognizing that his passion could become a sustainable source of income.

Rather than relying on formal training, Biriq describes himself as self-taught, having developed his knowledge through experimentation, persistence and continuous learning.

Why PUBG Mobile?

Among the many games available, PUBG Mobile became his primary focus.

For Biriq, the attraction was its realistic gaming environment and characters, which made the experience more engaging and closely connected to real-world scenarios.

Over time, PUBG Mobile became more than his favorite game. It became the foundation around which he started building his online presence and business activities.

His involvement in gaming also introduced him to a wider community of players who shared similar interests.

From Online Gaming to a Digital Business

One of the most interesting aspects of Biriq’s journey is how he transformed his online presence into a commercial opportunity.

He initially built connections by participating in numerous live gaming sessions across social media platforms. These interactions helped him become familiar with the gaming community and reach more players.

As his involvement grew, he began offering digital gaming products and services.

His business now includes PUBG Mobile UC top-ups through Global and Korean services, eFootball coins, Free Fire and PUBG gaming accounts, and other gaming-related items for mobile players.

Through these services, Biriq has developed a business that caters to the needs of gamers looking for digital gaming products.

Today, he says gaming and its related services provide his entire income.

His business operates through Biriq Store, reflecting how an interest that began with computers and gaming has evolved into a commercial venture.

Can Gaming Become a Real Career for Somali Youth?

For many Somali families, gaming is still viewed primarily as entertainment rather than a professional career.

Biriq believes that perception needs to change.

He argues that the gaming industry offers opportunities beyond playing games, particularly through content creation, collaborations with companies, streaming and digital businesses.

He also points to PUBG Mobile’s Next Star programme as an opportunity that aspiring creators can explore as they work towards building a future in gaming.

His message to young Somalis who dream of becoming professional gamers is straightforward: pursue the ambition, develop your skills and take the opportunities available seriously.

He believes that with dedication and the right direction, gaming can become more than a hobby.

More Than Business: Helping the Next Generation

Beyond running his own business, Biriq says he also helps younger gamers enter the industry.

He regularly supports newcomers by helping them understand how the gaming system works and guiding them as they begin their journeys.

For him, building a gaming career is not only about individual success. It is also about helping others understand the opportunities available within the industry.

This community-focused approach could become increasingly important as Somalia’s gaming scene develops and more young people explore digital entertainment.

The Ambition: Becoming East Africa’s Number One Somali Gamer

Despite the progress he has made, Biriq says his ambitions extend far beyond his current business.

His long-term vision is to become the number one Somali gamer in East Africa.

He also wants to expand into professional streaming and develop a gaming top-up server that can serve a wider gaming community.

These ambitions reflect a broader vision of building a more established gaming business rather than remaining solely a content creator.

For Biriq, the next stage is about growing his influence, expanding his services and establishing a stronger presence within the regional gaming industry.

A New Perspective on Somalia’s Digital Economy

King Biriq’s journey highlights an emerging opportunity within Somalia’s digital landscape.

As social media, online entertainment and digital commerce continue to create new ways for young people to connect and conduct business, industries such as gaming offer alternative career paths worth exploring.

His experience demonstrates how personal interests, self-learning and an understanding of online communities can develop into business opportunities.

There is still room for growth, particularly in professional esports, sponsorships, streaming infrastructure and investment in local gaming communities.

But for young Somalis looking beyond traditional career paths, stories like Biriq’s raise an important question: what other opportunities are waiting to be discovered in the digital world?

For Biriq, the journey that began with a passion for computers has already become a business. His next ambition is to take Somali gaming to a bigger stage.