Team Silver has been crowned champions of the first-ever Red Bull Locked In after a high-pressure weekend of competitive play at the Bellville Velodrome.
Held from 6 to 8 March 2026, the event brought together some of South Africa’s most passionate gamers for a 48-hour endurance challenge combining esports competition with real-world tasks and elimination twists.
A new LAN experience for South African esports
The tournament centred on Apex Legends, with teams competing across multiple modes including Battle Royale, Wildcard and Mixtape formats.
Unlike traditional tournaments, Red Bull Locked In introduced a dynamic structure where players faced unexpected challenges and knockout mechanics throughout the competition, making strategy and adaptability essential.
The result was an intense esports experience where teams had to perform consistently under pressure.

Team Silver claims the championship
Led by team captain Collins ‘It’z Skarrra’, Team Silver successfully navigated the demanding format to secure the 2026 title.
Team member Julio Bianchi reflected on the event as a memorable experience that tested both teamwork and resilience.
He described the competition as a rollercoaster of emotions, noting that preparation could only take players so far before instinct and risk-taking became part of the challenge.
Celebrating gaming community culture
Beyond the competition itself, the event highlighted the growing strength of South Africa’s gaming community.
Spectators, creators and competitors shared the same space throughout the weekend, recreating the atmosphere of traditional LAN gatherings while introducing a new high-energy esports format.
NAG Magazine served as the official media partner, documenting the action and capturing the stories behind the players and teams.

A milestone for local esports
Red Bull Locked In demonstrated the potential for innovative tournament formats within the South African esports landscape.
By combining endurance competition, real-world challenges and community engagement, the event pushed players beyond conventional esports tournaments.
For Team Silver, the victory represents more than a championship title. It highlights the importance of teamwork, adaptability and the vibrant community that continues to drive gaming culture forward in South Africa.



