I’d forgotten when South Africa’s gaming scene last got a big, bold and properly ambitious moment. However, now I can say it was when Red Bull Locked In got introduced.
Taking place from 6–8 March 2026 at the Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town, this isn’t just another LAN with some desks and RGB lighting. This is a pressure cooker. A 48-hour endurance test. A format designed to break bad habits and reward smart, strategic players. And yes, I’ll likely be there. Covering it. Living it. Sharing it.
And yes — I was there. Covering it. Living it. Sharing it.
Not Your Average Weekend
At its core, Red Bull Locked In revolves around Apex Legends, but the format is where things get spicy.
We’re talking:
Multiple game modes (Battle Royale, Mixtape, Wildcard)
Knockout mechanics
Real-life challenges
Elimination and revival systems
High-risk, high-reward decision-making
Most of my time is spent traveling the world hosting Counter-Strike tournaments, but I remain deeply invested in the growth of esports in South Africa. When I announced Red Bull Locked In on my Instagram and TikTok accounts the videos pushed past 20 000 views, because the appetite is there. South Africa wants to see high quality gaming experiences on home soil. They want events which feel premium and formats that feel global.
I think it also helps to translate the experience in a way that makes sense locally and I like to think that is where I come in.
The Return of the LAN Energy We’ve Been Missing
Back in the day at the Bellville Velodrome for Organised Chaos LANsThere’s something different about a real LAN. It’s the noise, the instant reactions and the first bumps when your teammate clutches. For years, South Africa’s LAN scene has been inconsistent. Moments of brilliance, sure, but not enough sustained momentum. I’m hoping Red Bull Locked In is a step forward. I’m hoping the local gaming community will show up. I’ll definitely be there and I’ll try bring you as much of the action live as I possibly can!
