A new Champion Emerges at Sun City and walks away with R1.5 million.
The Black Pearl Tournament finale returned for its 5th edition on 15-17 August 2025, this time hosted at the legendary Sun City resort. Over the course of three thrilling days, MVG loyalty members, VIP guests and loyal supporters gathered to witness one of South Africa’s most prestigious roulette tournaments.
All Spins lead to Sun City.
The qualifying period started in May 2025, with thousands of MVG loyalty members putting their skills to the test, battling over three months of fiercely contested regional heats at Sun International casinos across the country and online on Sunbet to earn their spot at the much-anticipated finale. Their efforts proved worthwhile as the best of the best made their way to the North West, where Sun City delivered a weekend of world-class hospitality, electrifying competition, and top-tier entertainment.
With the finale in sight, our Most Valued Guests were treated to the famed Sun City experience. South Africa’s entertainment capital pulled all the stops and curated a programme encompassed by world-class hospitality, electrifying competition, and top-tier entertainment. The resort’s landscape also added to the drama, with rolling hills and iconic architecture, and the unmistakable expertise of a destination that has hosted international events for decades.
The festivities began on Friday night with an 80s-inspired cocktail event at Encore, in the Sun City Hotel. Guests arrived in style, enjoying an evening of nostalgia with an air of friendly competition and camaraderie where old friendships were rekindled, and new connections formed. Amidst the shimmering atmosphere, the battle lines were drawn as the heats and seats draw took place and a stage was set for the black and red fray to ensue.
The Heat is On: High Stakes and Rising Tensions
Saturday marked the official start of the finale as the morning brought the much-anticipated heats. The competition started with a measured pace as players cautiously took the game one spin at a time, and as the day progressed, the tensions were palpable. The air grew heavier with anticipation, every moment of silence, followed by erupting cheers and gasps echoing through the room as fortunes shifted with each turn of the wheel.
Beyond the Tables: The Full Black Pearl Experience
Roulette remains a formidable feature in South African casinos, thanks to the table game’s timeless appeal, simplicity, and dynamism, bringing as much excitement to seasoned strategists and the superstitious alike, and the Black Pearl Tournament definitely brings the fire.
While the roulette tables were the focal point, the Black Pearl experience extended far beyond them. From luxurious hospitality and curated dining experiences to world-class entertainment and the breathtaking setting of the resort itself, Sun City once again proved why it is the perfect stage for South Africa’s premier gaming events.
Loyalty & Customer Insight Manager, Liza Adrianzen, shared her thoughts, “The Black Pearl Tournament is a roulette game that has been around in its form for the last five years. We're very excited for it now to be hosted at Sun City.”
Brett Hoppé, Sun City Resort General Manager, said, “Well, I think in terms of any of our group tournaments across the Sun International Group, it's always a privilege for the properties to host such a tournament. And of course, there's friendly rivalry, and we really compete with each other. So, not only from a gaming perspective is it critically important. It allows us to expose all our Sun International customers to Sun City’s offerings.”
The Gala Finale
The Kings Ballroom at the Sun City Convention Centre set the stage for a spectacular gala dinner and electric final. The MVGs arrived dressed elegantly with a touch of Setswana, paying homage to the culture and heritage of Sun City’s splendour.
From the very first spin to the dramatic last, the Black Pearl finale was a masterclass in skill, strategy and competitive fire. The atmosphere was electric, tensions mounting at every turn of the wheel until, at last, a new Earl of the Pearl was crowned, walking away with the grand prize of R1.5 million.
“We create all of these fantastic events so that we can host our MVGs and show our commitment both to our experiences, our customer service, as well as being innovative in terms of the way that we actually portray our gaming, offer our gaming, and we get them to experience what we have,” Adrianzen concluded.
With the crown passed to a new champion, anticipation is already building for the next chapter of the Black Pearl, and if history is any indication, it promises to be even bigger, bolder and more spectacular.
