Woodlands Mall Winners Return to the Podium at MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience
Returning champions proved they still have what it takes as Pretoria’s gaming community gathered at Woodlands Mall for the latest stop of the 2026 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience from 12 to 14 June.
The three-day event attracted 619 registered competitors, while 2,486 visitors participated in the live gaming challenges and tournaments hosted throughout the mall. Familiar faces reclaimed top positions, while a new generation of players also made their mark across multiple gaming titles.
Leading the weekend was Zaid April, who continued his impressive run by winning the EA FC 26™ Mall Final. Having previously claimed the 2024 EA FC National Final at Canal Walk, April once again booked his place in the 2026 National Football Final, receiving a R2,500 Woodlands Mall gift card along with qualification for the national championship taking place at Canal Walk from 26 to 30 August 2026.
Katlego Mphaka finished as runner-up to earn a R1,500 gift card, while Ighsaan Brinkhuis secured third place and a R1,000 gift card, matching his third-place finish from the 2024 tournament.
The event also celebrated returning champions in other categories. Michael Prange successfully defended his Beat Saber title after winning the competition in 2025, while Lesego Mosikare delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend by winning both the Friday Keyboard Rebuild Race and defending his Brawlhalla championship for a second consecutive year.
Competition extended across several popular gaming titles including Tekken, Street Fighter 6, Fastest Lap, Subway Surfers, and the exciting Keyboard Rebuild Race, giving players multiple opportunities to showcase their skills.
Barbara Perry, Marketing Manager of Woodlands Mall, praised the growing popularity of the event, saying it was encouraging to see returning competitors alongside newcomers. She noted that repeat champions demonstrate how the tournament has become a regular highlight on Pretoria’s gaming calendar while remaining accessible to players of all experience levels.
2026 Woodlands Mall Winners
EA FC 26™
- 1st: Zaid April
- 2nd: Katlego Mphaka
- 3rd: Ighsaan Brinkhuis
Beat Saber
- 1st: Michael Prange
Fighting Cup
- Brawlhalla: Lesego Mosikare (1st), Aphiwe Mzilikazi (2nd)
- Tekken: Silumko Mgebisa (1st), Tiisetso Monatisa (2nd)
- Street Fighter 6: Vuyo Fani (1st), Hlulani Ndlovu (2nd)
Fastest Lap
- Friday: Wian Badenhorst
- Saturday: Michael Lombard
- Sunday: Timothy Mashifana
Keyboard Rebuild Race
- Friday: Lesego Mosikare
- Saturday: Bongani Nxumalo
- Sunday: Reinhardt Botha
Subway Surfers
- 1st: Sivu Fani
Next Stop: The Glen
Following the successful Woodlands Mall event, the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience continues its nationwide tour with the next in-centre competition taking place at Clearwater Mall from 31 July to 2 August 2026.
Players will continue competing for qualification to the national finals at Canal Walk from 26 to 30 August 2026, where competitors will battle for a share of a prize pool exceeding R50,000.
Remaining 2026 Tournament Schedule
- Clearwater Mall: 31 July–2 August
- Capegate: 14–16 August
- Canal Walk National Finals: 26–30 August
Gamers can register online or sign up at participating malls to compete in the remaining events of the 2026 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience.
