Africa
HYPROP MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience2025: South Africa’s Biggest Gaming Showdown Returns

From qualifiers to finals, EAFC 25 to Beat Saber, Over R250 000 in prizes and two champions to crown – this is South Africa’s ultimate gaming experience!
South Africa’s biggest gaming tournament is back. The 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience kicks off on 18 May, bringing months of competitive energy, in-centre activations, and serious prize money to malls across the country. This year’s edition raises the stakes with the return of the EAFC 25™ National Football Tournament and the debut of the MTN Beat Saber Challenge – two national titles, one massive celebration of gaming culture.
Over five months, eight Hyprop shopping centres will play host to a mix of online qualifiers and live in-mall events, creating a national stage where gamers of all levels can test their skills, win prizes and join a fast-growing community of South African players. The top contenders will face off in the National Finals at Canal Walk from 17 to 21 September, with R50 000 on the line in the EAFC 25™ Football Final and more prizes up for grabs in the Beat Saber showdown.
Tournament Dates and Venues:
- 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 & Last Qualifier)
Online Qualifier: 7 September | In-Centre Event: 17–21 September
“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.”
The format combines online, and in-person play. Qualify online on the ACGL platform, then take on your opponents in-centre across malls in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria. Each in-mall weekend features the EAFC 25™ tournament, daily Fighting Cups, a PC Gaming Zone powered by PCBuilder, Carry1st COD Mobile and the popular SuperSprint lap challenge presented by the Toyota Gaming Engine.
Gamers can also go head-to-head in Tekken, Street Fighter 6, Brawlhalla, Rocket League, Minecraft and Call of Duty: Mobile, with dozens of R1 000+ gift card prizes on offer each weekend. The Beat Saber Challenge, hosted by MTN and playable both in-mall and on MTN’s Battle+ platform, brings a high-energy VR experience into the mix. Players with the highest Beat Saber scores at each mall qualify for the National Final – and anyone who tries it stands a chance to win a gaming PC worth R50 000.
“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. “Whether it’s with Beat Saber or Battle+, we want our community to know that gaming lives here.”
The SHIFT Gaming Experience also makes space for younger players. Friday events feature tournaments designed for schools and under-18 gamers, offering dedicated Minecraft build challenges, EAFC 25™ scholars only tournament and Rocket League face-offs – all with real prizes.
The post HYPROP MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience2025: South Africa’s Biggest Gaming Showdown Returns appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Africa
SportPesa Goes Pink for 2025 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Leading online gaming firm SportPesa will reaffirm its commitment to social impact by taking part in the 2025 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) campaign.
Throughout the month, the gaming company will run a special campaign dubbed SportPesa In Pink aimed at raising awareness, celebrating the resilience of those fighting cancer and promoting early detection across all its markets in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man.
The campaign will see SportPesa integrate the colour pink across its digital platforms, events and partner activations while employees, stakeholders and associates will adorn pink during their various activities, symbolising solidarity with breast cancer warriors and their families.
Being the main sponsor of football giants Gor Mahia, Shabana, Murang’a Seal and the Kenya 7s rugby team as well as Kenya Cup side Nondescripts RFC, SportPesa will collaborate with the teams to spread awareness to fans all across the country through various channels.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked every October, unites people worldwide in the mission to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around breast cancer through education, support and fundraising.
SportPesa’s involvement underscores how corporate organisations can leverage their influence to drive meaningful social change.
The post SportPesa Goes Pink for 2025 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Africa
Playbook Football™ lands in Nigeria and UK with LiveScore Bet

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Players can go for goal with innovative real money virtual football management game
Playbook Fusion, the innovative supplier that is revolutionising the online betting industry by combining the worlds of sports betting and video gaming, has taken its flagship Playbook Football title to the Nigerian market through a breakthrough deal with LiveScore Bet.
Players on LiveScore Bet will be the first in Nigeria to experience Playbook Football, a unique, real money, virtual football management betting game where players build their own teams, place bets, receive in-game rewards, climb divisions and compete on leaderboards.
Playbook Football is delivered via Playbook Fusion’s proprietary RGS platform in collaboration with the provider’s exclusive distribution partner, Games Global.
The announcement comes simultaneously with the UK launch of Playbook Football with LiveScore Bet and Virgin Bet in the UK.
Steve Rogers, Founder and CEO at Playbook Fusion, said: “Playbook Football offers a unique betting and entertainment experience, designed to draw players into the game as they build and develop their teams, place bets, earn rewards, improve their skill and progress through divisions.
“We are delighted to see it become available to LiveScore Bet’s players in Nigeria. This is a country that is mad about football, and the mobile-first nature of the game makes it easily accessible to players.
“This is an important deal for Playbook Fusion as it marks our arrival in the African market, and we look forward to working closely with LiveScore Bet to ensure the success of Playbook Football in this new territory”
James Connelley, Director, LiveScore Bet Nigeria, said: “The sports betting space has long been ready for a revolutionary product to come along and change the game, and we believe that Playbook Football is that product.
“The game offers a truly unique experience that will resonate strongly with our extensive player base in Nigeria.
“It’s partnerships such as this that have allowed us to establish LiveScore Bet as a leading online sportsbook in the market, and we are genuinely thrilled to be the first to bring Playbook Football to football fans and bettors in the country.”
The post Playbook Football™ lands in Nigeria and UK with LiveScore Bet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Africa
DigiPlus Applies for South Africa License

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DigiPlus Interactive has filed its license applications with the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) in South Africa. This move advances DigiPlus’ entry into one of the most promising regulated online gaming markets globally.
DigiPlus has applied for three operator licenses in South Africa: a National Manufacturer License, a Bookmaker License and a Bookmaker Premises License. The WCGRB is regarded as the preferred jurisdiction for international operators like DigiPlus due to its transparent regulatory processes and digital readiness.
“The filing of our online gaming license in South Africa marks another milestone in DigiPlus’ global growth journey, as we bring our proven track record of innovation, responsible gaming, and player protection, together with our strength in localizing games for diverse markets, to one of Africa’s most dynamic economies,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco.
This milestone shortly follows DigiPlus’ launch in Brazil on September 22 with its first international brand GamePlus.
The post DigiPlus Applies for South Africa License appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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