The fusion of beats and battles hit a new high at the Ivyson Gaming Pro League Grand Finals on December 7, 2024, as gaming enthusiasts and music lovers collided at the Ivyson Tour Johannesburg. 

Headlined by Nasty C, the event wasn’t just a music festival — it was a groundbreaking cultural moment, blending the adrenaline of competitive gaming with the pulse of live music.

From the online qualifiers (Nov 15–Dec 1) to the grand stage in Johannesburg, players fought their way through intense matches of FC25 (PS5), COD Mobile, and Tekken 8 (PS5), showcasing the best of South Africa’s gaming talent.

The Road to the Finals: 500 Gamers, One Shot at Glory

The journey to the Grand Finals started online, where over 500 gamers battled across three games for a coveted spot at the live showdown. The online qualifiers were intense, filled with dramatic comebacks, shocking upsets, and rising stars who seized their moment.

On social media, the hype was real. Gamers shared their victories (and defeats) under hashtags like #IvysonGamingProLeagueS3 #ProLeagueS3, building anticipation for the live event. The qualifiers not only spotlighted South Africa’s gaming talent but also proved how passionate the community is, even before stepping onto the main stage.

Grand Finals: Game On at the Ivyson Tour Joburg

The Ivyson Gaming Activation transformed the tour venue into a gamer’s paradise, complete with LED screens, live commentary, and fans cheering as if they were at a football match or watching a heavyweight fight. The energy was infectious — every goal, every clutch play, and every KO brought the crowd to life.

The Prizes:

• R13 000 in cash prizes for top performers
• Ellesse sneaker vouchers for the winners
• Gaming headsets sponsored by Ellesse

Player Profiles: The Faces of Ivyson Gaming

The grand finals weren’t just about the games — they were about the players who gave it their all. Congratulatins to our Champions, Itumeleng Bodibe (Takken 8), Deevak Dhanjee (FC25) and Reamogetswe Thlabi and Sihle Constable from team Hawk (COD:Mobile.) Content creators and gaming personalities like ThendoPlays, Airo, Skarra (Collins), Daddy Cool, King Omar, Domingos, Siv SA, HotshotAaron, BeamerBoyTV, The Boys South Africa and Bruce were present, documenting the action and engaging with fans.

More Than Just Gaming: The Ivyson Tour Experience

The magic of the event wasn’t just in the games — it was in the fusion of gaming and music. As players battled it out, the Ivyson Tour stage came alive with performances that kept the energy high. Fans seamlessly transitioned from watching finals to vibing out to live sets, creating an atmosphere that blurred the lines between gamer and music lover.

Nasty C & The Soundtrack to the Showdown

Nasty C, the face of the Ivyson Tour, delivered a headline performance that felt like a victory anthem. The rapper even stopped mid-set to shout out the gaming finalists, showing love to the players who made the day unforgettable.

Supporting acts like AudioMarc, Blxckie, Tellaman, Mello & Sleazy, Usimamane, K.Keed, KindlyNash, Scott’s Maphuma brought diverse sounds to the festival, keeping the crowd moving between matches. The music wasn’t a side show — it was a core part of what made the event special, amplifying the hype of the competition and turning the gaming area into a full-blown celebration.

The Atmosphere: Lights, Screens, and Pure Hype

The visuals were stunning — massive LED screens, flashing lights, and crowd reactions that mirrored the action on screen. Whether you were a hardcore gamer or a music fan just checking out the activation, it was impossible not to get swept up in the energy.

Content creators captured every moment, from the grand finals to behind-the-scenes shots with the players. Fans shared their experiences online, making the event a trending topic and extending its impact beyond the venue.

The Future of Ivyson Gaming: Cape Town, Durban, and Beyond

The Ivyson Gaming Pro League has set a new standard for South African esports, proving that gaming can stand alongside music and fashion as a pillar of youth culture. And this is just the beginning. With Cape Town (March 29) and Durban tour stops on the horizon — and promise of more gaming activations –the league is primed to grow even bigger. By merging competitive gaming with music and lifestyle, Ivyson Gaming isn’t just building a tournament; it’s building a movement.

If you missed Joburg, don’t make the same mistake twice. The next chapter of Ivyson Gaming is coming, and trust us — you’ll want to be there when it unfolds.

Thank you to our sponsor Ellesse and partners The Game Room SA for coming on board to make this event happen.

Follow the action here.

Whether you came for the music or the competition, one thing is For Certain: Ivyson Gaming is here to level up the game.