MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience 2025 is back and bigger than ever. Launching on 18 May, this electrifying esports showdown will light up shopping centres across South Africa with five months of high-stakes gaming, R250 000+ in prizes, and the crowning of two national champions.
Gamers and spectators alike can look forward to live in-mall events, online qualifiers, and a chance to dominate in either the EAFC 25™ National Football Tournament or the brand-new MTN Beat Saber Challenge.
Where to catch the MTN gaming action
The tournament spans eight Hyprop shopping centres and culminates in the National Finals at Canal Walk from 17–21 September. Each location offers online qualifiers via ACGL.gg, followed by immersive in-centre events packed with activities, challenges, and prize opportunities.
Key dates include:
- Rosebank Mall: 18 May (online), 23–25 May (in-mall)
- Somerset Mall: 25 May, 30 May–1 June
- Woodlands: 7 June, 13–16 June
- The Glen: 22 June, 27–29 June
- Table Bay Mall: 13 July, 18–20 July
- Clearwater Mall: 3 August, 8–10 August
- Capegate Mall: 31 August, 5–7 September
- Canal Walk Finals: 7 September (online), 17–21 September (finals)
MTN Beat Saber Challenge takes centre stage
Making its debut, the MTN Beat Saber Challenge introduces a virtual reality rhythm experience to the lineup. Hosted by MTN and accessible in-mall and online through MTN Battle+, it’s open to all. Participants with top scores will battle it out at Canal Walk for a grand prize: a gaming PC worth R50 000.
A full-throttle festival for every gamer
From EAFC 25™ simulations to Rocket League, Tekken, Street Fighter 6, and even Minecraft, there’s a challenge for everyone. Highlights include:
- Daily Fighting Cups
- PC Gaming Zone (powered by PCBuilder)
- Carry1st COD Mobile challenges
- Toyota Gaming Engine’s SuperSprint lap battles
- R1 000+ gift card prizes every weekend
For younger enthusiasts, Friday school tournaments feature scholar-only EAFC 25™, Minecraft builds, and Rocket League face-offs.
MTN builds community through gaming
“We’re creating spaces where South Africans can compete, connect and get rewarded for their passion,” says Jason Probert, General Manager: Digital Services at MTN South Africa.
This isn’t just a competition; it’s a celebration of the growing South African gaming community, bringing players together both online and in person in a space where entertainment, connection, and competition collide.
Ready to game?
Entries are open. Visit acgl.gg to register for online qualifiers. Then grab your crew and head to the nearest participating Hyprop mall to join South Africa’s biggest gaming experience.
