An East Rand-based slots supremo razed 81 rivals on his way to claiming the title of 2023 Slots Royale champion and the R1.5 million grand prize, in the finale of Sun International’s nationwide gaming extravaganza at Sun City on Saturday.
The passionate punter is a long-time patron of Carnival City near Brakpan in Gauteng and took the win after a 10-week process that began in January. Some 1 200 registrants battled at Sun International casinos in an attempt to book their ticket to the final.
The 82 finalists, all high-tier members of the Sun Most Valued Guest (MVG) loyalty programme, came from 11 Sun International casinos across the country – Boardwalk, Carnival City, Flamingo, Golden Valley, GrandWest, Meropa, Sibaya, Sun City, Time Square, Wild Coast Sun, Windmill, as well as SunBet.
Image: Carnival City supporter at the Slots Royale finale held at Sun City
Roaring to riches
Sun City provided a warm F1-themed welcome to the contestants. Including the grand prize, consolation winnings, and bonus draws, R2.3 million was doled out on Saturday, bringing total prize money for the tournament to R6.3 million.
Nationwide gaming extravaganzas have long been a Sun International trademark – Slots Royale is one of four group tournaments, alongside the baccarat-based Black Opal, Black Pearl roulette tournament, and SunBet Poker Tour.
Sun City General Manager Brett Hoppé upped the ante by offering the best supporters a weekend at The Palace. The teams responded by roaring their combatants on, with the placard-wielding GrandWest crew being judged the most vociferous in the end.
“There’s a huge amount of excitement. It’s a privilege being able to meet our customers from all our resorts and properties. This tournament is all about them. We’re able to give them an amazing experience on the diverse canvas that is Sun City. These tournaments are a huge differentiator for Sun International. We have the right formula and the capacity to execute them,” said Hoppé.
The setting for the final, Sun City’s Encore night club, resembled a football stadium, packed to the rafters with cheering finalists and their supporters constantly urged on by livewire MC Khotso “K-Rams” Rammopo. The intensity grew white-hot during the manic three-minute heats, which took the form of a “quick-hit” tournament – finalists had to batter the spin button, testing their wrist and finger strength to emerge with the most points.
In the end, it was the winner’s measured approach that saw him secure the victory. He said he would back to defend his title in 2024.
