Varsity Esports 2026 Split 2 Finals qualifications currently underway as competition heads to Pretoria

UP-Tuks confirmed as host for the Split 2 Finals on 2 and 3 October

Now in its second year, the Varsity Esports tournament has entered the final qualifications stage, with teams from across South Africa doing battle to secure a place in the Varsity Esports Split 2 Finals, set to take place at the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) on 2 and 3 October 2026. 

The Varsity Esports tournament runs across two splits, each with its own qualification phase and finals event. Teams compete in Split 1 Finals and Split 2 Finals independently, with the top teams and players from each Split advancing to the playoffs before determining who qualifies to compete at the rAge Grand Finals in November. The two-split format gives universities two opportunities to qualify for the Grand Finals and keeps the competition active across the full academic year.

At the Split 1 Finals, hosted by Stellenbosch University in May, Emeris claimed top honours in the EA FC 26 title. In Rocket League, Stellenbosch University's TaMATIES defeated EM Substitutes 3-1 to earn the top seed in the rAge playoffs. The Valorant final delivered one of the tournament's most competitive matchups, with Stellenbosch University's ODIN overcoming UP-Tuks Capitals 2-1.

The Split 2 Finals will take place at the UP-Tuks Rembrandt Hall. Like the Split 1 Finals, the Split 2 Finals will once again feature intense competition across the three titles, including EA FC 26, Rocket League and Valorant. 

Spectators can expect two days of exciting gaming action, sponsor activations and prizes up for grabs, live DJ entertainment, food trucks and more. Entrance is free of charge, but all attendees will need to secure a ticket in advance. Free tickets are available via AetherPass by selecting ‘Get Tickets’ and completing the registration process. Tickets will be sent directly to the attendee’s email address and must be presented on arrival, as entry to the venue will be monitored and no spectators will be admitted without a valid ticket.

“We’ve seen an increase in the number of registered players for Split 2,” says Marnus van Huyssteen from ASEM. “Almost 500 players are currently gaming their way through the playoff rounds across the university campuses around South Africa. We’re looking forward to seeing the top players at the Split 2 Seeding Final at UP-Tuks Rembrandt Hall. 

Esport is growing rapidly in South Africa with more people appreciating the sporting and entertainment value of it. More student gamers are signing up to participate in the Varsity Esports competition and attendance at our events is growing steadily. With this in mind we’re planning some great entertainment and activations for the upcoming Split 2 Seeding Finals at UP-Tuks Rembrandt Hall and we invite everyone in the area to join us for two days of gaming action,” adds Marnus van Huyssteen. 

Varsity Esports is South Africa's premier university esports tournament and is officially recognised within the university sports ecosystem. Mettlestate and ASEM, in partnership as Nextgen, launched Varsity Esports in 2024 creating  a structured platform for university students to represent their institutions in competitive gaming.

“Gaming has grown into one of the most powerful forms of entertainment and competition in the world, and we’re seeing that momentum continue to build here in South Africa,” says Barry Louzada, Managing Director of Mettlestate. “What’s particularly exciting is seeing that growth reflected at university level. Varsity Esports gives students a structured platform to compete, represent their universities and be part of something that is becoming increasingly recognised within the broader sporting landscape. As participation, audiences and investment continue to grow, we believe university esports has an important role to play in the future of gaming in South Africa.”

2026 marks the second year of Varsity Esports following a successful inaugural season in 2025. Prize money is now aligned with major Varsity Sports competitions, with 1st Place taking home R200 000, 2nd Place R100 000 and 3rd Place R50 000 for the top Universities and a total prize pool of R90 000 for the top players and teams across all 3 titles.

What was once considered a niche student activity has evolved into a recognised university sport with national competition, growing sponsorship investment, and pathways into professional gaming. Varsity Esports is backed by leading brands including FNB, Citroën, Nivea Men, Roman’s Pizza and Red Bull.

For more on Varsity Esports, go to varsityesports.co.za