The Australian Esports League’s High School Cup is back for Term 3 – and this time, it’s your last chance to qualify for the 2025 AEL Nationals!
We’re calling on schools across the country to gear up, squad up, and battle it out in a thrilling season of competition. Term 3 features some of the most exciting titles in student esports – and top teams will earn their shot at representing their school on the national stage.
Matches are held every Saturday with students competing over the internet to face off against their peers from across the country. Students are seeded into divisions for balanced play with the competition taking place over six weeks with an ultimate winner in each division decided on the final week of play.
Games on Offer:
- Rocket League (3v3) – the classic fusion of football and rocket-powered cars
- Marvel Rivals (5v5) – the brand-new team-based shooter packed with superpowered chaos
- Minecraft: Capture The Flag (5v5) – teamwork, tactics, and creativity collide
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (1v1) – iconic fighters go head-to-head in fast-paced battles
- Brawlhalla (1v1) – free-to-play platform fighter with a deep competitive scene
- Trackmania (Solo Time Trials) – test your reflexes on high-speed custom-built tracks
Nationals:
Each game leads to a National Finals showdown. Here’s how qualification works:
- Rocket League: The winners of Term 1 and Term 2, plus the top two teams from Term 3, will battle it out at the AEL Nationals hosted live at PAX Australia on October 10. The AEL will cover access to PAX, and any flights or accommodation needed for each school team and their teacher.
- Marvel Rivals and Minecraft: CTF: Each will feature a National Final taking place online. The winners of Term 1 and 2, along with the top two teams from Term 3, will qualify to compete.
- Extra prizes for nationals! Winning students who are crowned the AEL’s 2025 Nationals champion will win an AOC 24G4 FHD 180Hz gaming monitor and a HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Headset Black.
Key Dates:
- Registrations Close: Monday, 4 August 2025
- Competition Starts: Saturday, 9 August 2025
- Competition Finals: Saturday, 13 September 2025
- Nationals for Rocket League: Held at PAX Australia, in Melbourne Friday, 10 October 2025.
- Nationals for All Other games: Held online, Saturday 18 October 2025
Why Get Involved?
- Build school spirit through team play
- Strengthen digital literacy, communication, and leadership
- Gain experience in structured competitive environments
- National exposure and prestige for schools and students
How to Join:
Schools can register teams via our website. Whether you’re a returning school or brand new to esports, we welcome you to be part of Australia’s leading interschool competition.
👉 Register here: https://ael.org.au/hs
Reach out to the AEL team at schools@ael.org.au for any further assistance.
Let’s make Term 3 the biggest yet – good luck and game on!
Excited for School Esports? Check out these photos from our recent School Esports event in Townsville, proudly supported by Townsville City Council. Read more here.
