• MTN has announced that it is bringing back its SHIFT Gaming Experience for a second year.
• This time it is partnering with Hyprop to make it happen, with malls across South Africa set to host qualifying tournaments.
• It is said to be the largest national gaming tournament with a R50k prize pool, and R25k set for the overall winner.

MTN is set to bring back the country’s largest mall-based tournament in the form of the SHIFT Gaming Experience. Now in its second year, MTN has partnered with Hyprop on the event, with the latter offering up selected malls where qualifying rounds and the finals of the tournament will be held.

To that end it will feature a series of eight qualifier events held at Hyprop malls across SA over the next four months, culminating in a national final taking place at Canal Walk in Cape Town this September.

“The tournament promises to be a thrilling competition and will offer a gaming experience that appeals to a wide age group, ensuring there is something for everyone, from casual players to seasoned pros with additional competitions and activations taking place at each mall event,” MTN noted in a release sent to Hypertext.

As for the game that local players will be competing in, EA FC 24 has been selected. There is also a prize pool of R50 000 up for grabs, with the overall winner walking away with R25 000.

“We are thrilled to partner with Hyprop to bring this tournament to life. This event is a testament to the growing gaming culture in South Africa, and we are proud to support an initiative that not only showcases incredible talent but also brings communities together through the power of gaming,” enthused Jason Probert, GM of Digital Services at MTN South Africa.

“Join our electrifying online and in-centre heats and prove you’ve got what it takes to make it to the National Final. Battled out on the ACGL platform, the online heat is your ticket to glory and a coveted spot in the top four to earn a place in the Mall Finals,” MTN added.

In terms of participating, players can sign up at the various Hyprop malls in one of the seven heats held from Friday to Sunday. The top four players from each heat will move on to the Mall Final, joining the four online qualifiers.

The venues and dates for the qualifying rounds and final are as follows:

“The events at the participating Hyprop Malls will include a variety of competitions and engaging activities, featuring not only the main MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience efootball tournament, but also a range of smaller competitions and activations. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy a dynamic gaming environment,” organisers added.

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