Latest news with #NationalFinals
Eyewitness News
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Eyewitness News
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
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Destin Middle School student named champion of Florida's 2025 National Civics Bee
DESTIN, Fla. (WKRG) — A Destin Middle School student has earned first place in the 2025 National Civics Bee and is moving forward to the National Finals. Woman in audience during Saenger Theatre shooting speaks out According to an Okaloosa County Schools news release, eighth-grader Noah Finkler began his Civics journey in early March at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce's inaugural National Civics Bee, which earned him a $500 prize and a trophy. That win led him to compete and win first as the Florida Champion of the 2025 bee, earning him a $1,000 prize, the release said. Noah will now go on to the National Finals, along with other top students from across the country, to compete in the National Civics Bee in Washington D.C. this fall for a chance to win prizes such as a $100,000 education savings plan, according to the release. 'The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has given students a tremendous opportunity to engage in civic education,' said President and CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ted Corcoran. 'We were honored to be the first Chamber in Florida to participate, and it has been inspiring to see students like Noah thrive in this competition.' The National Civics Bee is an initiative founded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the goal of which is to promote a passion for civic learning among middle schoolers like Noah, the release said. Kimberly-Clark plans $130M expansion in Mobile, adds 29 jobs 'This is an incredible achievement for Noah, and we couldn't be prouder,' Okaloosa County Schools Superintendent Marcus Chambers said. 'His dedication to civic education and ability to excel on such a competitive stage speaks volumes. We look forward to cheering him on as he represents Florida at the national level.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Powys County Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Powys: Rhayader cook on Team UK for EuroSkills 2025
A 20-year-old Powys student will join six other Welsh competitors later this year as part of Team UK at EuroSkills 2025. Gabrielle Wilson, from Rhayader, will compete at Europe's largest skills competition being held in Denmark in September. Team UK consists of 19 competitors from across the UK, with Wales making up an impressive 37 per cent of the team. Their participation highlights Wales' commitment to excellence in vocational skills and underscores the nation's ability to compete at the highest level on the European stage. Gabi was introduced to WorldSkills UK Competitions through her college, NPTC Group of Colleges, and quickly discovered a love for competing. After being awarded Highly Commended at the National Finals in 2023, her dedication and talent earned her a place on Team UK for EuroSkills Herning 2025. Gabi will be competing in the cooking competition against Europe's best. She said: 'I'm proud to represent both my college and Wales. Competing has really helped me with time management and organisation, but my favourite part is learning new skills and seeing the standard of competition up close.' Gabi continued: 'It's a great way to develop your skills in a live environment. I got the opportunity to work for a professional chef, which is something I couldn't have got in the classroom. I love being in a competition atmosphere. It really motivates me, and I'm excited to see where I stand among my European peers.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Competitions in Wales are delivered by Inspiring Skills, a Welsh Government-funded initiative dedicated to promoting vocational excellence. Through Skills Competition Wales and international training support, it helps young people develop expert skills, gain confidence, and represent Wales on international stages. EuroSkills is a vital stepping stone toward the ultimate stage – WorldSkills Shanghai in 2026, often dubbed the 'skills Olympics'.
Cambrian News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Cambrian News
Dysynni Men beaten by Aberystwyth University in thrilling Challenge Final
Dysynni's young U12 team travelled to Swansea on the 4th of May for the National Finals. The boys drew 1-1 with a strong Denbigh team pulling a last minute goal back in the final minute. Dysynni played a more defensive set-up against Whitchurch but despite a great team performance lost 2-0. Our final match against an experienced Cardiff Met side was tough with a 7-1 loss. Overall coming a respectable 4 the place in Wales! It was a great experience for our young side and we are excited to see a great deal more from these team in the years to come.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The story of a staggering season for this Warrington junior football team
IT has been quite the season for Matthiola JFC's under 13s – and it could be about to get better still. Having earned the right to represent the north west on the national stage, the team are gearing up for a county cup final in their attempt to secure a league and cup double. The Great Sankey-based team enjoyed a staggering campaign in the Junior Premier League and were champions of their division having won 14 of their 16 matches, losing just once. As a result, they were invited to compete at the JPL's National Finals tournament at Warwick University last weekend, where they distinguished themselves against more established academy sides. Now, focus switches to adding a cup final win to their league title as they travel to Walton Hall Park – the home of Everton FC's women's and age-group sides – to face Liver Juniors in the LCFA County Cup Final on Friday night. 'We are all proud of the lads and their progression both individually and as a team,' the team's manager Alan Staniford said. 'Some of them have gone on to play for professional academies and some have pushed themselves towards the top of the grassroots standard, showing development at all ability levels. 'Above all though, they have all developed into fine teenagers and young men for which we are all immensely proud of. 'I would like to thank our fantastic parents for their unwavering support and dedication travelling thousands of miles to not miss a game or training session, giving our players the best platform to succeed. 'And also, a massive thanks to our coaches Adam Rosterne and Neil Hunter, who have been there for myself and the team every step of the way and it has been key to keeping the group on track at a challenging age, not just in football but in their lives.'
