Accessible gaming experience aims to bring players of all levels into the spotlight
Palesa Manaleng 5 June 2025 | 14:03
Gamers enjoying themselves at the 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience pop-up at Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg. Picture: Chase Kaplan Photography.
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa's biggest gaming tournament is breaking down barriers in the eSports scene, offering gamers of all levels a chance to compete.
The 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience aims to democratise gaming, making eSports more accessible while growing a diverse, connected gaming community across the country through their new initiative.
Gamers enjoying themselves at the 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience pop-up at Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg. Picture: Chase Kaplan Photography.
'So what we're doing in the space is we're trying to democratize gaming and eSports. So we deploy all of the kit, we deploy all of the equipment. We sit and run all of these national tournaments, and it costs you absolutely nothing. There's no pay to play, there are no qualifications that you need. You don't need any hardware. You don't even need connectivity. All you need to do is rock up where we are, and there's an opportunity for you to get exposed to this type of culture, play, socialise, engage, and maybe walk away with a 50,000 Rand gaming PC. So it's fun,' said Senior Specialist for gaming at MTN gaming and eSports, Brad Kirby.
Over five months, eight Hyprop shopping centres such as Rosebank Mall, The Glen, Canal Walk and Somerset Mall will play host to a mix of online qualifiers and live in-mall events.
Gamers enjoying themselves at the 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience pop-up at Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg. Picture: Chase Kaplan Photography.
The pop-up offers everything from football simulations to VR rhythm battles. A new player can play the same game as an experienced player, with all ages playing alongside each other.
'This events idea was always, how can we bridge the that sort of divide between the casual person you know, generally interested in gaming, who maybe wants to compete and win something, and then the serious players, who are genuinely very good players and deserve the opportunity to be showcased in front of, you know, audiences and hopefully the media' said African Cyber Gaming League founder Clinton O'Shea.
This year, the initiative sees the return of the EAFC 25™ National Football Tournament and the debut of the MTN Beat Saber Challenge, allowing gamers to chase two national titles.
The top contenders will face off in the National Finals at Canal Walk from 17 to 21 September, with R50,000 on the line in the EAFC 25™ Football Final and more prizes up for grabs in the Beat Saber showdown.
Gamers enjoying themselves at the 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience pop-up at Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg. Picture: Chase Kaplan Photography.
Tournament Dates and Venues:
Rosebank Mall
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
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Accessible gaming experience aims to bring players of all levels into the spotlight
Palesa Manaleng 5 June 2025 | 14:03 Gamers enjoying themselves at the 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience pop-up at Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg. Picture: Chase Kaplan Photography. JOHANNESBURG – South Africa's biggest gaming tournament is breaking down barriers in the eSports scene, offering gamers of all levels a chance to compete. The 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience aims to democratise gaming, making eSports more accessible while growing a diverse, connected gaming community across the country through their new initiative. Gamers enjoying themselves at the 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience pop-up at Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg. Picture: Chase Kaplan Photography. 'So what we're doing in the space is we're trying to democratize gaming and eSports. So we deploy all of the kit, we deploy all of the equipment. We sit and run all of these national tournaments, and it costs you absolutely nothing. There's no pay to play, there are no qualifications that you need. You don't need any hardware. You don't even need connectivity. All you need to do is rock up where we are, and there's an opportunity for you to get exposed to this type of culture, play, socialise, engage, and maybe walk away with a 50,000 Rand gaming PC. So it's fun,' said Senior Specialist for gaming at MTN gaming and eSports, Brad Kirby. Over five months, eight Hyprop shopping centres such as Rosebank Mall, The Glen, Canal Walk and Somerset Mall will play host to a mix of online qualifiers and live in-mall events. Gamers enjoying themselves at the 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience pop-up at Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg. Picture: Chase Kaplan Photography. The pop-up offers everything from football simulations to VR rhythm battles. A new player can play the same game as an experienced player, with all ages playing alongside each other. 'This events idea was always, how can we bridge the that sort of divide between the casual person you know, generally interested in gaming, who maybe wants to compete and win something, and then the serious players, who are genuinely very good players and deserve the opportunity to be showcased in front of, you know, audiences and hopefully the media' said African Cyber Gaming League founder Clinton O'Shea. This year, the initiative sees the return of the EAFC 25™ National Football Tournament and the debut of the MTN Beat Saber Challenge, allowing gamers to chase two national titles. The top contenders will face off in the National Finals at Canal Walk from 17 to 21 September, with R50,000 on the line in the EAFC 25™ Football Final and more prizes up for grabs in the Beat Saber showdown. Gamers enjoying themselves at the 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience pop-up at Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg. Picture: Chase Kaplan Photography. Tournament Dates and Venues: Rosebank Mall 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
