Visceral Esports Takes Top Honours in Nail-Biting Mazda Master Series 2026 Finale

Mazda Southern Africa has crowned Visceral Esports the overall winner of the inaugural #MazdaMasters2026 sim-racing endurance event, following a thrilling and closely contested six-hour race celebrating the legendary Mazda 787B and its historic Le Mans legacy.

Held on 20 June 2026 in partnership with leading gaming and esports platform Mettlestate, the Mazda Master Series brought together some of South Africa’s strongest sim-racing talent for an endurance challenge inspired by the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

A final field of 20 teams competed remotely on Circuit de la Sarthe in the iconic Mazda 787B, delivering a showcase of skill, strategy, consistency and determination.

The race delivered a nail-biting finish, with the leading teams pushing hard until the final stages of the endurance challenge.

Final Podium Results

First Place: Visceral Esports

Taariq Adam

Luke Addison

Cody Sherratt

Second Place: EG Evolved

Third Place: Oom Olof Racing

Visceral Esports emerged victorious after an intense endurance battle, securing the tournament’s first-place prize package of R30 000 in cash, powered by Mazda Finance, a product of WesBank.

Each winning team member also received Tiger Wheel & Tyre vouchers valued at R10 000.

EG Evolved secured second place and the R15 000 prize, while Oom Olof Racing claimed third place and R5 000.

Teams finishing from fourth through thirteenth each received an Engen Xtreme Oil Legends Award of R1 000 per team, recognising the depth of talent and commitment across the field.

Special Award Winners

King Price Insurance Fastest Lap — R5 000:

Kris Stoltz

King Price Insurance Mazda Challenger Spirit Award — R2 500:

Oom Olof Racing

King Price Insurance Consistency Award — R2 500:

Luke Addison

VAPS HCV Driver of the Day Award — R5 000:

Kris Stoltz

VAPS HCV Best Overtake Award — R5 000:

Alleric Enslin

Broadcast and Event Partners

The Mazda Master Series brought the competitive action to fans through an almost eight-hour livestream.

While all competing teams raced remotely, the broadcast was presented from Mettlestate’s studio by commentators Ernest Page and David Christie, whose expert coverage brought the intensity and excitement of real-world motorsport to the sim-racing endurance event.

The event was made possible through the support of Mazda Southern Africa’s campaign, broadcast and prize partners.

Mettlestate partnered with Mazda Southern Africa to deliver the sim-racing tournament and livestream experience, while IGNITION TV simulcast the event to motoring audiences across South Africa.

Mazda Finance, a product of WesBank, powered the first-place cash prize, while Tiger Wheel & Tyre provided vouchers for every member of the winning team.

VAPS HCV Insurance supported the Driver of the Day and Best Overtake awards.

King Price Insurance supported the Fastest Lap, Consistency and Mazda Challenger Spirit awards.

Engen SA Xtreme Oil sponsored the Grid Legends Awards, recognising teams placed from fourth through thirteenth.

Fans will also be able to catch Ernest Page and David Christie discussing the Mazda Master Series in a forthcoming IGNITION TV interview, scheduled to air during the first week of July.

The full Mazda Master Series livestream will remain available on Mazda Southern Africa’s YouTube channel for viewers who would like to relive the action.

Celebrating the Mazda 787B Legacy

The event formed part of Mazda Southern Africa’s broader 787B Le Mans Heritage Campaign, commemorating 35 years since Mazda became the first Japanese manufacturer to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans overall in 1991.

The Mazda 787B remains the only rotary-powered race car to achieve this feat, making it an enduring symbol of Mazda’s determination to challenge convention and pursue innovation without compromise.

By bringing this landmark chapter in Mazda history into a modern competitive gaming environment, #MazdaMasters2026 gave enthusiasts a new way to experience Mazda’s philosophy of Jinba-Ittai: the harmony between driver and machine.

From the unmistakable rotary-powered legacy of the 787B to the exceptional racing talent displayed by the competing teams, the Mazda Master Series demonstrated that the connection between driver, machine and competition remains timeless.

To learn more about Mazda or find your nearest dealership, visit https://www.mazda.co.za or follow @mazda_sa across social media.

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About Mazda Southern Africa

Mazda Southern Africa is committed to creating vehicles that transform everyday driving into extraordinary experiences.

With a focus on human-centric design and emotional connection, Mazda vehicles are crafted to evoke a sense of wonderrrr and joy in every journey.

Our 'Wonderrrr Awaits' philosophy is a celebration of the unexpected moments of joy and wonder that our vehicles can bring to your everyday life.

It combines advanced technology, refined craftsmanship, and a seamless driving experience, ensuring every drive feels meaningful and uplifting.

Whether through innovative safety features, intuitive design, or the Jinba Ittai harmony between driver and vehicle, Mazda Southern Africa aims to inspire curiosity and freedom on every road.