Competitive gaming is about to take over the South of Johannesburg as the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience arrives at The Glen Shopping Centre from 26 to 28 June 2026.
Now in its fourth year, the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience has established itself as one of South Africa’s biggest gaming tournaments and remains the country’s only gaming competition hosted at shopping malls nationwide. Designed to make esports accessible to everyone, the tournament welcomes seasoned competitors, first-time participants and curious spectators eager to experience the excitement firsthand.
With an impressive total prize pool of R350 000 spread across the eight-mall tournament series, the event continues to grow as a major platform for South African gaming talent.
Three Days of Gaming Action
The Glen Shopping Centre will transform into a gaming hub where players can battle for prizes, bragging rights and a place in the national finals.
The competition kicks off with an EA FC 26™ online qualifier on 21 June. The top four performers will secure direct entry into The Glen Mall Final.
For those who miss the online qualifier, there is still a chance to compete. Players can enter one of 12 in-centre heats taking place throughout the event weekend.
The winner of The Glen Mall Final will walk away with a R2 500 mall gift card and secure a coveted place in the National Football Final, where a R50 000 prize pool awaits the country’s best players.
Second and third-place finishers will receive gift cards valued at R1 500 and R1 000 respectively.
More Than Just EA FC 26™
While football gaming remains a major attraction, the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience offers something for every type of gamer.
Visitors can compete in:
- Beat Saber
- Brawlhalla
- Tekken
- Street Fighter 6
Additional mall gift cards are up for grabs across these competitions, creating even more opportunities for participants to win.
Beyond the tournaments, visitors can enjoy a dedicated PC Gaming Zone, free-play gaming stations and the exciting Keyboard Rebuild Race challenge, ensuring there is never a dull moment throughout the three-day event.
Bringing Esports to Everyone
One of the reasons the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience continues to attract thousands of participants nationwide is its commitment to accessibility.
Unlike traditional esports events that are often limited to dedicated gaming venues, the tournament brings competitive gaming directly to shopping centres, allowing families, shoppers and aspiring gamers to experience the excitement up close.
Whether you’re chasing a championship title, testing your skills against fellow gamers or simply enjoying the atmosphere, the event offers a unique opportunity to be part of South Africa’s rapidly growing gaming community.
Event Details
Online Qualifier: 21 June 2026
In-Centre Event: 26–28 June 2026
Venue: Cappello Court (Entrance 3), The Glen Shopping Centre
The tournament is presented by MTN and Hyprop, with all competitions operated by ACGL.
Upcoming MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience Events
The tournament series continues across South Africa with upcoming stops at:
- Table Bay Mall – Online Qualifier: 5 July | In-Centre Event: 10–12 July
- Clearwater Mall – Online Qualifier: 25 July | In-Centre Event: 31 July–2 August
- CapeGate Shopping Centre – Online Qualifier: 9 August | In-Centre Event: 14–16 August
- Canal Walk – Online Qualifier: 16 August | In-Centre Event: 26–30 August
For gamers, families and esports fans, The Glen is the place to be this June as the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience delivers three action-packed days of competition, entertainment and unforgettable gaming moments.
