Cape Town Players Make Their Mark at MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience Leg at Somerset Mall
Cape Town‘s gaming community delivered another thrilling weekend of esports action as the 2026 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience rolled into Somerset Mall for the second stop of this year’s nationwide tournament.
Competitors from across the Western Cape battled it out over three days in EA FC 26™, the Fastest Lap Racing Challenge, and the Keyboard Rebuild Race, all competing for Hyprop gift cards and the opportunity to qualify for the prestigious National Football Final at Canal Walk.
With a R350,000 total prize pool on offer across the national series, the stakes continue to rise as South Africa‘s best gamers fight for a place among the country’s elite.
Aasim Lamara Books His Spot in the National Final
The biggest prize of the weekend went to Aasim Lamara, who claimed victory in the EA FC 26™ Mall Final.
His impressive performance earned him a R2,500 Somerset Mall Gift Card and, more importantly, qualification for the National Football Final taking place at Canal Walk on 30 August.
Finishing close behind was Athenkosi Duva, who secured second place and a R1,500 Gift Card, while Ridhaa April (15) completed the podium with a R1,000 Gift Card, becoming the youngest finalist of the event.
EA FC 26™ Results
- 1st: Aasim Lamara – R2,500 Somerset Mall Gift Card – Qualifies for National Football Final
- 2nd: Athenkosi Duva – R1,500 Somerset Mall Gift Card
- 3rd: Ridhaa April (15) – R1,000 Somerset Mall Gift Card
Fastest Lap Champions Crowned
The Fastest Lap Racing Challenge showcased exceptional speed and precision throughout the weekend.
The daily winners were:
- 15 May: Taariq Adam (25) – R1,000 Somerset Mall Gift Card
- 16 May: Nadeem Crombie (30) – R1,000 Somerset Mall Gift Card
- 17 May: Mikaeel Adonis (15) – R1,000 Somerset Mall Gift Card
Keyboard Rebuild Race Winners
Speed away from the virtual track was also rewarded during the Keyboard Rebuild Race.
The winners included:
- 15 May: Louis Botty (24) – R500 Somerset Mall Gift Card
- 16 May: Akho Nani (19) – R500 Somerset Mall Gift Card
- 17 May: Timothy Govender (40) – R500 Somerset Mall Gift Card
South Africa’s Biggest Mall Gaming Tournament Continues
Now in its fourth year, the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience has established itself as South Africa‘s biggest mall-based gaming tournament. The 2026 edition spans eight shopping centres nationwide and features a R350,000 prize pool, with the National Finals taking place at Canal Walk later this year.
For competitors, winning an EA FC 26™ mall final is about more than prizes—it’s a direct route to the national stage, where players will compete for a share of R50,000 in football prize money.
Next Stop: Clearwater
With today being 12 July 2026, the Table Bay Mall event concludes this weekend before the tour heads to Clearwater for the next in-centre competition from 31 July to 2 August, followed by Capegate and the season-ending National Finals at Canal Walk.
Remaining 2026 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience Schedule
- 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)
As the competition intensifies, each stop is producing new champions eager to prove themselves on the national stage, with Cape Town‘s finest now adding their names to the growing list of contenders.
