Jabhi Mabuza to represent South Africa at the Capcom Cup XI in Japan
The competition, which is scheduled for 5–9 March 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, will see the top 'Street Fighter' esport competitors from around the globe vying for a piece of the $1.28 million prize fund.
Jabhi ‘JabhiM’ Mabuza, a competitive Fighting Games player for Goliath Gaming, hailing from Alexandra township, has qualified to compete in the prestigious Capcom Cup XI. Picture credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG - Goliath Gaming's Jabhi "JabhiM" Mabuza, a competitive Fighting Games player from Alexandra Township, has earned a spot in the elite Capcom Cup XI.
The competition, which is scheduled for 5–9 March 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, will see the top Street Fighter esport competitors from around the globe vying for a piece of the $1.28 million prize fund.
Mabuza's commitment and outstanding play in numerous Street Fighter competitions have prepared him for the Capcom Cup.
In anticipation of once again representing his nation on the international scene, Mabuza is thrilled to be traveling to Japan for the Capcom Cup.
"This seems like it will be a completely different Capcom Cup for me. I now have a character that has helped me understand the game and has given me what I believe I was lacking in earlier contests, said Mabuza. "I've been working hard behind the scenes in the lead-up to the tournament and will try my hardest to represent South Africa in Japan."
When he first started playing competitive Street Fighter V, he watched YouTube videos to prepare for competitions because he lacked a gaming console and was unable to practice in the conventional way. He refined his talents by taking notes on the gameplay in the videos, then entering competitions in Johannesburg and crossing his fingers. That was quite a few years ago, and Jabhi is currently regarded as South Africa's top Street Fighter esports athlete.
A major turning point for Mabuza and the South African esports community, his involvement in Capcom Cup XI showcases the competitiveness within the fighting game industry in South Africa.
Eyewitness News had a chat with Mabuza ahead of the tournament.
Who is Jabhi "JabhiM" Mabuza?
JabhiM is your local gamer from the township who has his sights set on being one of the best in the world. Running with the motto: 'Your limits are not mine'.
How did your interest in video games begin?
It started when I was 6 years old and my dad took me to a local shop which had Street Fighter 2 and Snow Bros. We went to play every time after he came back from work and then one day I started going by myself and that’s where the passion grew.
Did you participate in a video game tournament at any point?
I did! And I’ve participated in many tournaments since. I’ve won over 50 of them.
How can video games be used to teach?
There are many video game genres that teach different things. Sims teaches about the daily life of a salary man; FIFA can teach about football, so, it all depends on what you are trying to achieve.
What are your thoughts on South African gaming?
It’s very much a young and growing industry, which means there are a lot of opportunities. We are still years behind where some of the global territories are but we are making progress.