Ready your controllers. Strap in your VR headset. It’s time to level up — because South Africa’s biggest gaming event is back, and it’s coming in hot.
The MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience 2025 has officially respawned, and it’s bringing next-level energy, high-stakes competition, and over R250,000 in prizes to malls across Mzansi. Whether you’re a FIFA beast, a Beat Saber rhythm god, or a joystick junkie just looking for your shot — this is your battleground.
👏 Huge shoutout to MTN for leading this incredible initiative — not only are they fuelling the competitive scene with lucrative and enticing prizes, but they’re also helping grow the next generation of pro gamers in South Africa. This isn’t just a tournament — it’s a platform. A launchpad. A celebration of skill, heart, hustle, and the power of gaming to unite and uplift. With every VR swing and every clutch goal, players are proving just how much talent, dedication, and passion lives in this country.
Kicking off 18 May and running all the way to the National Finals at Canal Walk from 17–21 September, this five-month gaming gauntlet is bringing the heat with two national titles on the line:
🎮 EAFC 25™ National Football Tournament
🕶️ MTN Beat Saber Challenge (VR edition!)
This isn’t just about clutch plays and combos — it’s a celebration of South African gaming culture. Expect eight malls, dozens of tournaments, daily prizes, and thousands of players battling it out for glory, respect, and (let’s be real) some seriously awesome loot.
🎯 Where and When?
Here’s your full tournament mission log. Pick your stage — qualify online, then show up to dominate in person:
• Rosebank Mall
Online Qualifier: 18 May | In-Centre Event: 23–25 May
• Somerset Mall
Online Qualifier: 25 May | In-Centre Event: 30 May–1 June
• Woodlands
Online Qualifier: 8 June | In-Centre Event: 13–16 June
• The Glen
Online Qualifier: 22 June | In-Centre Event: 27–29 June
• Table Bay Mall
Online Qualifier: 13 July | In-Centre Event: 18–20 July
• Clearwater Mall
Online Qualifier: 3 August | In-Centre Event: 8–10 August
• Capegate Mall
Online Qualifier: 31 August | In-Centre Event: 5–7 September
• Canal Walk (National Finals & Last Qualifier)
Online Qualifier: 7 September | In-Centre Event: 17–21 September
🎉 What’s in the Game?
- R50 000 for the EAFC 25™ Final Champion
- A R50 000 Gaming PC for Beat Saber’s top slasher
- Weekend R1 000+ gift card giveaways
- Tournaments in Tekken, Street Fighter 6, Rocket League, Brawlhalla, Minecraft & COD Mobile
- SuperSprint lap challenges with Toyota Gaming Engine
- PC Gaming Zone powered by PCBuilder
- COD Mobile showdowns with Carry1st
Even the under-18 crew has their moment with school tournaments every Friday featuring Minecraft builds, EAFC face-offs, and more.
🏙️ About Hyprop
This experience wouldn’t be possible without Hyprop, the real estate powerhouse bringing it all to life. As a JSE-listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Hyprop is focused on creating spaces and connecting people. By owning and managing dominant retail centres in South Africa’s top urban precincts, they’re not just building malls — they’re building communities, moments, and memories.
🔗 Learn more at www.hyprop.co.za
🎮 Gaming Is Culture
Gaming today is more than just play — it’s community, identity, passion, and power. It’s where friends are made, talents discovered, and dreams pursued. With initiatives like the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience, the line between casual and pro gets thinner, and more South Africans are stepping into the spotlight. Whether it’s a 10-year-old Rocket League prodigy or a VR warrior slicing through beats — this is how gaming culture grows. This is how legends begin.
🚀 Ready to Join?
Think you’ve got what it takes? Or just wanna soak up the hype IRL? Entries are now open — head to https://acgl.gg to qualify online and then show up in-centre to flex your skills.
From joystick warriors to rhythm ninjas, SHIFT is where South African gamers show up and show off.
It’s time to press start on the ultimate experience.
