Johannesburg’s gaming community came out in force as Rosebank Mall officially launched the 2026 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience, setting the tone for another action-packed esports season. From fierce EA FC 26™ clashes to high-energy Beat Saber, the Fighting Cup, and the adrenaline-filled Keyboard Rebuild Race, competitors battled for prizes, national qualification spots, and early bragging rights.
Now in its fourth year, the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience has grown into one of South Africa‘s premier mall-based gaming tournaments. The 2026 edition spans eight shopping centres nationwide, boasting a R350,000 total prize pool and culminating in the Canal Walk National Finals later this year.
Imraan Williams Books National Finals Spot
The headline event of the weekend saw Imraan Williams (24) emerge victorious in the EA FC 26™ Mall Final, earning a R2,500 Rosebank Mall Gift Card and securing qualification for the National Football Final on 30 August at Canal Walk.
Williams will now compete against qualifiers from across South Africa for a share of the R50,000 national prize pool.
The EA FC 26™ podium featured:
- 1st: Imraan Williams (24) – R2,500 Rosebank Mall Gift Card – National Football Final Qualifier
- 2nd: Lamdile Mthiyane (22) – R1,500 Rosebank Mall Gift Card
- 3rd: Zahir Ahmed Patel (22) – R1,000 Rosebank Mall Gift Card
Beat Saber Champion Heads to Canal Walk
In the Beat Saber competition, Orwin de Beer (19) from Centurion achieved the highest score across the three-day event.
His performance earned him a R1,000 Rosebank Mall Gift Card and qualification for the Beat Saber National Final, scheduled for 20 September at Canal Walk.
Fighting Cup Delivers Three Days of Intense Competition
Competitive fighting game enthusiasts also had their chance to shine during the inaugural Fighting Cup.
Friday – Brawlhalla
- 1st: Jaden Devlal (19) – R1,000 Gift Card
- 2nd: Amro Ahmed – R500 Gift Card
Saturday – Tekken
- 1st: Tebogo Dhlamini (21) – R1,000 Gift Card
- 2nd: Sherwynne Steyn (29) – R500 Gift Card
Sunday – Street Fighter 6
- 1st: Hlulani Ndlovu (22) – R1,000 Gift Card
- 2nd: Tiyani Nkuna (23) – R500 Gift Card
Fastest Lap Winners
The racing simulator also crowned daily champions:
- Friday: Yasheen Govind (27)
- Saturday: Kamogelo Ntseare (22)
- Sunday: Jonathan Ackerman (20)
Each winner received a R1,000 Rosebank Mall Gift Card.
Keyboard Rebuild Race Champions
The Keyboard Rebuild Race tested speed and precision, with two competitors taking top honours:
- Friday: Lesego Mosikare (24) – R500 Gift Card
- Sunday: Bongani Nxumalo (26) – R500 Gift Card
Next Stop: Table Bay Mall
Following the successful opening event in Johannesburg, the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience continues its nationwide tour.
With today’s date being 11 July 2026, the next stop is Table Bay Mall, where the in-centre tournament runs from 10–12 July, before moving on to Clearwater, Capegate, and concluding at Canal Walk, where South Africa’s top gamers will battle for national titles and their share of the R350,000 prize pool.
Remaining 2026 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience Schedule
- Table Bay Mall: 10–12 July 2026 (currently underway)
- Clearwater: 31 July – 2 August 2026
- Capegate: 14–16 August 2026
- Canal Walk: 26–30 August 2026 (EA FC 26™ National Football Final on 30 August)
- Beat Saber National Final: 20 September 2026 at Canal Walk
With hundreds of players expected to compete throughout the season, the race to become South Africa‘s next MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience champion is officially underway.
