Pietermaritzburg, 23 April 2026: The 2026 Gaming Festival at Liberty Midlands Mall has officially set a new benchmark, welcoming 23,366 people over its three-day run. That’s a sharp rise of over 120% year-on-year, cementing its status as one of the country’s leading gaming events.

The appeal of this year’s event extended well beyond Pietermaritzburg, with gaming enthusiasts travelling from across the country to be part of the action. Gamers travelled from as far as Johannesburg and Cape Town, highlighting the growing popularity of the festival and its appeal to both competitive players and casual fans.

The festival transformed the mall into a vibrant gaming hub, with free-to-play stations, racing simulators and competitive tournaments creating a dynamic atmosphere across the centre court, Wimpy court and Woolworths court. Gamers of all ages engaged in a wide range of experiences, reinforcing Liberty Midlands Mall’s ongoing commitment to hosting innovative and engaging events for its community.

A key highlight of the weekend was the highly anticipated EA Sports FC 26 tournament, which saw competitive players go head-to-head in a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship. After a series of intense matchups, Kuzakahle Khanyile secured first place, followed by Dale Nott in second place, while Siyanda N claimed third.

Beyond the competitions, the festival created a vibrant space where gaming culture could thrive. Visitors explored new technology, connected with fellow enthusiasts and immersed themselves in an experience that extended well beyond traditional retail. Interactive elements such as Gaming Bingo encouraged exploration across the festival, adding to the overall energy and engagement.

Lawrence Joubert, General Manager of Liberty Midlands Mall, says the response has exceeded all expectations. “This year’s Gaming Festival has really elevated what we set out to achieve. The scale of attendance, the level of competition and the overall atmosphere have confirmed that this event has grown into something far bigger than we initially imagined. It has become a key moment on our calendar that continues to grow and is an experience that resonates strongly with our community.”

The overwhelming success of the 2026 edition marks a turning point for the festival, positioning it as a must-visit event within South Africa’s growing gaming landscape. As momentum continues to build, Liberty Midlands Mall is set to further expand the experience in the years ahead, delivering an event that captures the excitement and evolution of gaming culture.

For more information on Liberty Midlands Mall and its events, visit midlandsmall.co.za or follow Liberty Midlands Mall on social media @libertymidlandsmall.

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