Liberty Midlands Mall Gaming Festival Draws Record Crowds
Record Attendance And Next-Level Engagement Mark A Winning Weekend For The Mall’s Fourth Annual Tournament
Pietermaritzburg, 15 May 2025: Liberty Midlands Mall’s Gaming Festival levelled up once again this year, delivering an electrifying, immersive experience that drew a staggering 8 462 visitors across three action-packed days. This marks a significant climb from last year’s tally of 6,800 attendees, reaffirming the festival’s firm position as a cornerstone event on KwaZulu-Natal’s gaming calendar.
Bigger Turnout, Bigger Prizes
Now in its fourth year, the festival’s continued success lies in its ability to evolve alongside the gaming community it serves. From expanded game categories to a broader range of interactive installations, the event stays relentlessly in touch with the pulse of digital culture. This year, a total prize pool exceeding R100 000, including 650 Game4U vouchers, ensured high-stakes competition across every inch of the mall.
The headline event, the EA FC 25 tournament, took centre stage in the bustling Wimpy Court. Enthusiastic players queued from as early as 7am to secure their places in the qualifying rounds. After a fiercely contested three-day showdown, the tournament champion claimed a PS5 Slimline worth R14 000, while second and third places took home a VR Oculus Meta Quest and a racing chair combo, respectively.
New Dimensions In Digital Entertainment
2025’s edition wasn’t content to simply repeat past successes. The introduction of Kinect and rhythm-based games added dynamic, high-energy dance and sports challenges, broadening the event’s appeal. For those craving full-immersion experiences, the inclusion of a virtual reality station transported players into entirely new gaming universes.
Anchoring the festival was Liberty Midlands Mall’s exclusive gaming retailer, Game4U, which enhanced its on-site footprint with a dedicated retail kiosk. Here, casual browsers and seasoned players alike could explore the latest gaming gear and accessories — a strategic touch that seamlessly connected retail with entertainment.
A Festival That Evolves With Its Audience
By continuously refreshing its offering and deepening its relationship with the local gaming community, Liberty Midlands Mall has turned this event into a consistent crowd-puller and brand-builder. Plans for 2026 are already in the pipeline, with a renewed focus on pushing the boundaries of experiential retail and immersive entertainment.
For further details on Liberty Midlands Mall and its future projects, visit midlandsmall.co.za or follow @libertymidlandsmall across social media platforms.
