Carven and Ballantine’s Bring Culture, Competition, and Community Together at the EA Sports FC26 Launch Party in Lagos

The highly anticipated launch of EA Sports FC 26 came alive in Lagos as Carven Gaming Lounge hosted the EAFC 26 Launch Party in partnership with Ballantine’s Blended Scotch Whisky. Passionate gamers, music lovers, creators, and industry leaders gathered for a day that delivered on every promise of excitement, competition, and community.

Carven, a vibrant gaming and lifestyle destination, was the perfect stage as players explored new modes of EAFC 26, challenged one another in mini-games from penalty shootouts to skill-move showdowns, and immersed themselves in curated music, Ballantine’s cocktails, and memorable photo moments. Building on the success of previous gaming activations, the event further cemented Carven’s status as Nigeria’s premier gaming hub, and once again underscored Ballantine’s commitment to celebrating gaming as culture.

The excitement was already building long before the headline match between Afrobeats star Skales and gamer pro PlaywithTomide. Fans had been buzzing about the showdown for weeks, and many had strong opinions on who would come out on top. Tayo, 30, emphasized the networking opportunity the event provided while confidently predicting, “Tomide will win based on his skills, wide coverage and popularity.” Kay, 23, was eager to see what was new: “I am so excited to watch it live, hoping for a good game and to learn about the latest additions to EAFC 26.” Tomiwa, also 23, looked at the bigger picture: “Better pairings, better gameplay, more exposure for Nigerian online players and players in general.”

Female gamers and fans shared the same energy. Ebun, 26 with a Ballantine’s cocktail in hand, called the launch “a great marketing strategy to get gamers out of their shell, come explore and connect.” For Joyce, 30, the highlight was the much-anticipated showdown between Afrobeats star Skales and gamer pro Tomide. “It has always been a game with new features and uniforms that make us rave for days on end before it is released,” she said. “I voted for Skales on the Twitter poll with so much excitement and eagerness.”

With anticipation running high, the most talked-about highlight of the day came when Afrobeats star Skales faced off against Gamer pro, PlaywithTomide in the much-anticipated exhibition match. Fans had been buzzing about the headline tournament for weeks, and the atmosphere reached fever pitch when Tomide stunned the audience with an emphatic 8–0 sweep, a flawless victory that had the room erupting and set social media alight.

Beyond the creator showdown, gamers battled through a 16-player single-elimination tournament, with the champion crowned in front of a cheering crowd and rewarded with a brand-new EAFC 26 disc and exclusive gift bags. For guests who weren’t competing on the controllers, Ballantine’s ensured the experience went far beyond gameplay. Attendees enjoyed signature serves including the bold Ballantine’s Sour, the crisp Ballantine’s Apple, and the refreshing Ballantine’s Lightening. Each cocktail became a toast to connection, creativity, and staying true to the spirit of play.

Speaking on the night, Ebere Aham, Brand Activation Manager, Ballantine’s, said: “EAFC 26 Launch Party is a cultural celebration. At Ballantine’s, we believe in creating spaces where people can stay true to who they are, connect through shared passions, and express themselves freely. Tonight at Carven, the energy was undeniable – gamers, creators, and fans came together in ways that remind us why gaming is one of the most exciting cultural movements in Africa today.”

By the time the final matches wrapped, Carven was still alive with celebration as gamers, creators, and fans shared Ballantine’s signature serves and reflected on the highlights of the day. In line with Pernod Ricard’s commitment to responsible drinking, guests were encouraged to enjoy responsibly throughout the event.

The EAFC 26 Launch Party had achieved its goals; celebrating the arrival of the new game, fostering a strong sense of community, showcasing Carven as a destination for gaming and culture, and delivering an unforgettable experience that fans will carry into their own gameplay journeys. For Ballantine’s, the event reaffirmed its position as a lifestyle connector, where people stay true to the game.

#BallantinesNG #StayTrue #EAFC26 #Carven