Pietermaritzburg, 24 March 2026: Midlands Mall is preparing to welcome gamers and curious spectators alike as the Gaming Festival 2026 returns for its fifth year. Taking place from 27 to 29 March, the high-energy event will once again transform the mall into a vibrant playground of digital challenges, immersive experiences and friendly competition. With over R100,000 in prizes sponsored by Game4U, alongside a PS5 DualSense wireless gaming controller from HiFi Corp and other prizes, the festival invites players of all skill levels to step forward, test their reflexes and enjoy the thrill of the game.
Across the centre court, Wimpy court and Woolworths court, visitors will discover a series of interactive zones designed to keep the energy pulsating throughout the weekend. From competitive eSports tournaments to virtual reality adventures and rhythm-based challenges, each area will offer a chance to try something new while soaking up the electric atmosphere created by fellow gamers.
Zones Filled With Action and Discovery
In the centre court, the festival’s eSports zone will host EA Sports FC 26 competitive matches, drawing players eager to prove their tactical skill on the virtual pitch. Nearby, visitors can browse the latest gaming gear at the Game4U kiosk while discovering equipment designed to elevate their play.
Movement and rhythm take over another section of the festival, where hands-free Kinect games and music-driven challenges will invite players to step forward and test their coordination. For those who enjoy immersive worlds, the virtual reality experiences will provide a chance to explore digital environments that feel both mind-bending and surprising.
Mobile gaming fans will also get to test their reflexes with high score challenges on Subway Surfers, while a keyboard rebuild race will add a fast-paced technical twist for those who know their way around gaming hardware. Over at the Woolworths court, slot racing tracks will bring a playful burst of speed to the festival, including a colourful challenge inspired by Super Mario that younger visitors are sure to enjoy.
Throughout the event, visitors will also be able to take part in Gaming Bingo. By collecting stickers from each stand and completing their card, participants will get to enter a lucky draw for a chance to win prizes.
The Race for the Championship
Competitive players will find their moment in the spotlight during the daily EA Sports FC 26 tournament hosted on the centre court. Five qualifying rounds will take place each day, with the strongest contenders advancing to the grand final on the last afternoon of the festival.
The champion will walk away with a PlayStation 5 Slim valued at R14,000, while the runner-up will receive a Nintendo Switch worth R13,000. Third place will claim a Logitech G29 Steering Wheel together with a copy of EA Sports FC 26.
Registration opens daily at 9 am and 1 pm on a first-come, first-served basis, with matches kicking off shortly afterwards.
Lawrence Joubert, General Manager of Midlands Mall, says the festival has grown into a much-anticipated moment on the mall’s annual calendar. “The Gaming Festival brings an exciting energy to the mall. It gives players a place to test their skills, discover new technology and enjoy the atmosphere that only gaming communities create when they come together.”
For three lively days, Midlands Mall will invite visitors to step into a world of competition, colour and digital adventure as the Gaming Festival 2026 returns to Pietermaritzburg.
For more information on Liberty Midlands Mall and its events, go to midlandsmall.co.za or follow Liberty Midlands Mall on social media @libertymidlandsmall.