The competition was fierce. The pressure was real. And for one Cape Town gamer, a dream is now within touching distance.
The second stop of the 2026 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience concluded at Somerset Mall after three days of high-energy competition that brought together some of the Western Cape’s most talented players. With a share of a massive R350,000 prize pool and a coveted place in the National Finals on the line, competitors arrived ready to prove their skills.
From virtual football battles in EA FC 26™ to lightning-fast reflexes in the Fastest Lap Racing Challenge and technical precision in the Keyboard Rebuild Race, Somerset Mall transformed into a playground for South Africa’s growing gaming community.
At the centre of the action was the EA FC 26™ tournament, where players competed for more than just bragging rights.
The ultimate prize was a place at the National Football Final taking place at Canal Walk on 30 August.
Aasim Lamara Secures His Place on the National Stage
When the final whistle blew, it was Aasim Lamara who emerged victorious.
His impressive performance throughout the tournament earned him first place in the EA FC 26™ Mall Final, a R2,500 Somerset Mall gift card and, most importantly, qualification for the National Football Final later this year.
Lamara now joins an elite group of finalists who will battle for national honours at Canal Walk.
Second place went to Athenkosi Duva, who received a R1,500 Somerset Mall gift card after a strong showing throughout the competition.
Completing the podium was 15-year-old Ridhaa April. The youngest finalist impressed spectators with a mature and composed performance, earning third place and a R1,000 Somerset Mall gift card.
More Than Just Football
While EA FC 26™ drew significant attention, the Somerset Mall event delivered excitement across multiple gaming disciplines.
The Fastest Lap Racing Challenge rewarded players who could combine speed, consistency and precision under pressure.
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
The Keyboard Rebuild Race tested a completely different skill set, challenging competitors to demonstrate speed and technical ability.
The winners were:
- 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
The diverse range of competitions reflects the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience’s commitment to celebrating multiple facets of gaming culture.
South Africa’s Biggest Mall-Based Gaming Series
Now in its fourth year, the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience has grown into what organisers describe as South Africa’s largest mall-based gaming series.
The 2026 edition spans eight venues across the country and features a total prize pool of R350,000.
The National Finals, set for Canal Walk in August, will see the country’s top competitors battle for major prizes, including R50,000 in football prize money alone.
Somerset Mall marked the second stop on the national tour, and the standard of competition highlighted just how rapidly South Africa’s esports and gaming communities continue to evolve.
For many participants, these events represent more than a weekend of entertainment.
They provide a pathway to national recognition, valuable prizes and the opportunity to compete against some of the country’s best players.
The Journey Continues
The road to the National Finals is far from over.
The MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience now heads to The Glen, where another group of competitors will have the opportunity to secure their place among South Africa’s gaming elite.
Online qualifiers for The Glen take place on 21 June, followed by the in-centre event from 26 to 28 June.
Additional stops on the 2026 tour include Table Bay Mall, Clearwater, Capegate and Canal Walk before the national champions are crowned.
As each event unfolds, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: South African gaming is growing, the talent pool is deepening, and the race to become the nation’s next gaming champion is only getting more intense.
For Aasim Lamara, the next challenge awaits at Canal Walk.
For everyone else, the competition continues.
