The Landmark Convention Centre in Lagos was transformed into an epicenter of innovation, nostalgia, and high-energy competition as Ballantine’s Blended Scotch Whisky marked its third consecutive year in partnership with GamrX for the 2025 edition, GamrX4rce, with the event theme tagged “Enter The Arena”.
Gaming enthusiasts across African countries including Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, and Mauritius immersed themselves in experiences curated by Ballantine’s, where gaming culture and lifestyle seamlessly converged.
Guided by its Stay True ethos, Ballantine’s turned the gaming festival into an interactive world of digital creativity and innovation.
The Customised Ballantine’s Experience Centre featured advanced setups and instant match replays, immersing players in friendly competitions that fused technology with nostalgia. From reliving the thrill of retro PlayStation 1 and 2 classics to testing skills in modern multiplayer challenges, attendees experienced gaming as both a lifestyle and a community-driven experience.
For those seeking connection and new friendships on-site, the Chill Zone and The Bar Zone served signature cocktails like Ballantine’s Apple, Ballantine’s Sour, and the refreshing Ballantine’s Lightening, each crafted with the same precision and care gamers bring to their craft. The Play Zone hosted high-energy competitions, from multiplayer challenges to tech-driven dance battles in the Just Dance challenge, while “Uncle B’s Gaming House” brought retro classics back to life, rekindling memories of gaming’s golden days.
“Ballantine’s showed up at GamrX as part of the community,” said Tolu Adeyemi, a competitive gamer and streamer from Lagos. “From completing the Ballantine’s Quest Card challenge and earning the exclusive Ballantine’s merchandise like the hoodie and snapback, to reliving PS1 and PS2 classics, showcasing my creativity on the digital tribute wall honouring pro gamers, and enjoying the amazing Ballantine’s cocktails, everything they did made us feel connected, both on and offline. Ballantine’s has truly become part of our DNA.”
Across Ballantine’s immersive zones, attendees painted the digital tribute wall to honour pro gamers and their influence in the community, while celebrating their own gaming journeys. Some engaged in fun activities by completing Ballantine’s Quest Cards, earning exclusive Ballantine’s merchandise through participation in the quests.
The winners’ podium showcased a thrilling mix of seasoned champions and breakout stars, while notable gamers such as Killer Freak, Mitch, Steph JayBee, Anife, Ronin.exe, and General Zod were in attendance, connecting with fans and contributing to the energy of the gaming festival. Fans also enjoyed cosplay contests, VR experiences, and other interactive highlights, creating a full-circle celebration of gaming culture.
“GamrX4rce 2025 was a powerful expression of creativity, community, and culture,” said Evane Chenuet, Marketing Director at Pernod Ricard Nigeria. “At Ballantine’s, we believe in showing up where people are free to be themselves, and this year’s event proved that gaming is one of the most vibrant spaces for self-expression in Africa and across the world. From the gaming battles on stage to the energy in our immersive zones, the Stay True to the Game spirit came alive in every moment.”
Ballantine’s presence at GamrX4rce 2025 reaffirmed that gaming isn’t just a moment, it’s a way of life. Staying true to the game remains the ultimate form of self-expression, cementing the brand as a cornerstone of Africa’s gaming culture and innovation ecosystem.
#BallantinesNG #StayTrue #GamrX2025 GamrX4rce 2025 #EnterTheArena
