Childhood best friends Gregory Rousseau and Wesley Botha have shared nearly three decades of laughter, resilience, and wild imagination. Their story began in Grade 4 at Herbert Hurd Primary School, where classroom antics and playground games like four-square (“Bambie”), open-gates, and marbles laid the foundation for an enduring bond.

Raised in the Port Elizabeth suburbs of Gelvandale and Sydenham, respectively, Gregory and Wesley came from humble beginnings—but they always dreamed of building something bigger than themselves. 

As millennials, they’re part of a generation shaped by transformation, tech, and nostalgia, now channelling those experiences into a bold vision for the future.

Describing themselves as “brothers from another mother—and father,” the pair have leaned on each other through life’s challenges. Through the years, they’ve weathered personal loss, including the passing of their mothers, and in Gregory’s case, his father too—all powerful influences in their lives. Their shared hope is simple: that their parents would be proud of the legacy they’re now working to create.

In 2017, they stumbled into the world of tabletop gaming through friends and pop culture icons like Stranger Things, sparking a passion that would later blossom into something extraordinary.

That spark became Geeks X Gamers—a pop-up events company rooted in inclusivity, creativity, and community.

With their debut event set for August 9, at Walmer Town Hall, the duo is rallying a network of like-minded enthusiasts who share their love for board games, cosplay, roleplaying, and geek culture.

True to their values, Gregory and Wesley are committed to compensating all contributors—not just with thanks, but with remuneration—because they believe that time and talent deserve recognition. Their mission? “To build a community for all gamers in PE to enjoy. A space where fellow fans can meet up, be themselves, and have fun.”

With dice rolled and dreams in motion, these hometown heroes are levelling up—and inviting the entire gaming community to join the party.