The MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience is back

Get your thumbs warmed up – the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience is making a grand return for 2025, and it’s about to take South Africa by storm. From 18 May, malls around the country will transform into competitive playgrounds as gamers battle it out for over R250 000 in prizes and the ultimate bragging rights.

Whether you’re an EAFC football fanatic or a Beat Saber wizard, this is your moment. This year’s showdown features two massive national tournaments – the beloved EAFC 25 National Football Tournament and the all-new MTN Beat Saber Challenge, a VR spectacle that’ll get your heart racing and your arms swinging.

“The SHIFT Gaming Experience is more than a tournament; it’s where South African gamers show up, show off and celebrate what they love,” says Christie Stanbridge, brand and campaigns marketing manager at Hyprop. “From football simulations to VR rhythm battles, we’ve created something that speaks to every kind of player. Whether you’re competing or just watching, there’s always something happening.”

Here’s how it works:

The gaming action is set to unfold over five months at eight Hyprop shopping centres. Each stop includes an online qualifier (via the ACGL platform) and a live in-mall event – culminating in the National Finals at Canal Walk from 17–21 September. There, the top contenders will compete for R50 000 in the EAFC 25 Football Final and plenty more in the Beat Saber VR face-off.

Tournament calendar

• Rosebank Mall: Online Qualifier: 18 May | In-Centre Event: 23–25 May
• Somerset Mall: Online Qualifier: 25 May | In-Centre Event: 30 May–1 June
• Woodlands: 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 & Final Qualifier): Online Qualifier: 7 September | In-Centre Event: 17–21 September

What to expect (besides total gaming glory):

• EAFC 25 National Football Tournament
• Daily Fighting Cups – think Tekken, Street Fighter 6, Brawlhalla
• PC Gaming Zone powered by PCBuilder
• SuperSprint lap challenge presented by the Toyota Gaming Engine
• COD Mobile matches brought to you by Carry1st
• Minecraft, Rocket League, and more!
• MTN Beat Saber Challenge – play in VR at malls or on MTN’s Battle+ app. Top scorers go to nationals, and one lucky winner will take home a R50 000 gaming PC!

“We’re creating spaces where South Africans can compete, connect and get rewarded for their passion,” says Jason Probert, general manager of digital services at MTN South Africa. “Whether it’s with Beat Saber or Battle+, we want our community to know that gaming lives here.”

And it’s not just for the grown-ups. Fridays are all about the young guns with school tournaments, a scholars-only EAFC 25™ contest, Minecraft build challenges and Rocket League throwdowns – all with real prizes to win.

Ready to play?

Entries are now open! Sign up for your region’s online qualifiers at acgl.gg and catch the action live at your local Hyprop mall on tournament weekends. Whether you’re a pro, a passionate amateur or just in it for the vibe, the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience is where it’s all happening.