Tournament Dates and Venues:

    • 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: 7 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

“The SHIFT Gaming Experience is more than a tournament; it’s where South African gamers show up, show off and celebrate what they love,” says Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “From football simulations to VR rhythm battles, we’ve created something that speaks to every kind of player. Whether you’re competing or just watching, there’s always something happening.”

The format combines online, and in-person play. Qualify online on the ACGL platform, then take on your opponents in-centre across malls in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria. Each in-mall weekend features the EAFC 25™ tournament, daily Fighting Cups, a PC Gaming Zone powered by PCBuilder, Carry1st COD Mobile and the popular SuperSprint lap challenge presented by the Toyota Gaming Engine.

Gamers can also go head-to-head in Tekken, Street Fighter 6, Brawlhalla, Rocket League, Minecraft, and Call of Duty: Mobile, with dozens of R1,000+ gift card prizes on offer each weekend. The Beat Saber Challenge, hosted by MTN and playable both in-mall and on MTN’s Battle+ platform, delivers a high-energy VR experience into the mix. Players with the highest Beat Saber scores at each mall qualify for the National Final – and anyone who tries it stands a chance to win a gaming PC worth R50,000.

“We’re creating spaces where South Africans can compete, connect and get rewarded for their passion,” says Jason Probert, General Manager: Digital Services at MTN South Africa. “Whether it’s with Beat Saber or Battle+, we want our community to know that gaming lives here.”

The SHIFT Gaming Experience also makes space for younger players through its events at various malls across South Africa, promoting inclusivity and growth in the gaming community