Build the Future of Tennis in Minecraft Education – Your Creativity, Your Court!

Introduction

Welcome to the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge - where creativity meets competition!

The Australian Open and the Australian Esports League have teamed up to invite students from across Australia to rebuild and reimagine the iconic Australian Open precinct in the immersive world of Minecraft Education. This is more than just a challenge; it’s your chance to showcase innovation, master sustainable design, and win exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences at AO 2025. Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast, a budding architect, or just love the endless possibilities of Minecraft, this is your opportunity to shine.

Ready to build something amazing? Find out more about this challenge below.

This challenge isn’t just about building; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As you design, you’ll explore cutting-edge concepts in architecture, sustainability, and innovation, all while working alongside your peers in an exciting, team-driven environment. Plus, with prizes and experiences valued at more than $25,000 up for grabs, every block you place brings you closer to creating a legacy. Don’t just play the game—change it.

Homeschooled or School not participating?

Trademarks and affiliation

This event is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Microsoft Corporation and Mojang AB.

Key Info

Important Dates:

The challenge runs for six weeks from the commencement date.
Registration Due – 18^th Oct – extended to 25th October
Building Commences – 21^st Oct
Submissions Due – 29^th Nov
Judging Complete – 22^nd Dec
Winners Announced – 2^nd Jan

Format:

Open to students in teams of 2-4.

The competition is spread over four stages:

Designing & planning
Building
Presentations
Judging

Competition Rules:

Competition Rules Book

The competition is taking place using Minecraft Education Edition, students require a license to the game.
Platform: PC, MAC, Chromebook, Android / Tablet & iPhone / iPad
Publisher: Mojang

Terms & Conditions:

Terms and Conditions

Participants are required to be students representing a school in AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge, and enrolled in Years 4-11 at an Australian school.

Prizes

AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge features prizes and experiences valued at over $25,000.

For the National Winning Team (up to 4 students and 2 teachers):

Custom made Trophy by Hench & Scrap Workshop

Return economy flights from the nearest capital city in Australia and two nights’ accommodation for AO25

Tickets to AO25 Women’s and Men’s Finals

Meet the AO Trophy Experience, subject to availability

AO Tour at Melbourne Park, subject to availability

Rod Laver Arena Tour and Court Walk On Experience, subject to availability

Airport and Hotel transfers in exclusive AO KIA Player Car

Student team members each receive an AEL Gaming Pack (including an AGON Gaming Monitor, and a Gaming Headset)

Student team members each receive 1st place certificates & medals

Runner Ups:

National 2nd Place:	Each student will receive a 2nd place certificate & medal, an AGON by AOC Gaming Monitor, Voucher to Fortress Australia’s venues valued at $30 and a Family Pass to any Oz Comic-Con valued at $160.
National 3rd Place:	Each student will receive 3rd place certificates & medals, a Gaming Headset and a Family Pass to any Oz Comic-Con valued at $160.
State Winners:	Students in each state will receive State Winner’s certificates and medals, a Family Pass to any Oz Comic-Con valued at $160.

all prizes are per group (Year 4-6, Year 7-9, Year 10-11)

Challenge Theme

AO Tomorrow – Reimagining the Future of Tennis and Major Events
In this challenge, students are tasked with envisioning the Australian Open precinct as it could be in the future, focusing on environment, sustainability, technology, and community. Working in year groups, students will tackle varying levels of complexity:

Years 4-6 will redesign a specific element inside the AO
Years 7-9 will expand their vision to a broader area of the precinct
Years 10-11 will reimagine the entire precinct in relation to the broader community

This challenge invites students to push the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and innovation, transforming the future of tennis and community spaces.

Challenge Theme Overview

Trouble getting started? Read our handbook here!

Our Judging Criteria

Registration

Register Now for the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event where creativity meets competition. Whether you’re a teacher looking to inspire your students or a student eager to showcase your skills, registering is simple and quick. Teams can consist of 2-4 students, and with the challenge tailored to different year groups, everyone has an opportunity to shine. Sign up today to secure your spot and start planning your vision of the Australian Open precinct of the future. Ready to build something amazing? Register now and be part of the future of tennis!

Registrations costs $25 per student, with $2 from every entry going to the Australian Tennis Foundation.

There is no limit to the number of teams a school may submit.

We also encourage all students to enter through the ‘ALL IN’ Tournament, if your school cannot submit teams.

Click here to Register your School

The Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF) aims to inspire brighter futures for disadvantaged children and young people through tennis. As the Official Charity of Tennis Australia and the Australian Open, we use tennis as a vehicle to reduce social disadvantage and increase social cohesion.

For Homeschoolers & Individuals

Calling all Homeschooled students! You can play too!

Are you a homeschooled student or attending a school that’s not participating in the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge? Don’t worry, you can still join in the fun! We’ve created an alternative challenge just for you—the AO All In Block Buster Tennis Challenge! Open to solo participants aged between 8-18 years old, this version of the competition allows you to showcase your creativity and skills using Minecraft Education. The All In challenge features its own prize pool, don’t miss your chance to be part of this thrilling event!

Click here to Register for All In

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Minecraft Education?

Minecraft Education is a game-based platform that inspires creative, inclusive learning through play. Built in the traditional blocky world of Minecraft, the education platform is a walled environment that unlocks new ways to tackle any subject or challenge. Teachers and Students can dive into subjects like reading, math, history, and coding with lessons and standardized curriculum designed for all types of learners. Our project will emphasise creativity with a focus on sustainable design, encouraging students to integrate eco-friendly features such as renewable energy sources, green roofs, and water conservation systems.

Who can participate?

Students in years four to eleven, in teams of two, three or four.

Homeschooled students or students attending a school that’s not participating in the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge can participate in the All In challenge.

How long is the event?

The challenge will run for six weeks, starting on 18th October 2024.

What are the submission guidelines?

Participants must submit their Minecraft world file along with a brief presentation explaining their design choices and innovative features.

What are the prizes?

Winners will receive exclusive prizes and trophies and their winning submissions will be showcased on the AO website and social channels. The national champions will be flown to Melbourne for an unforgettable AO experience. The grand prize includes a money-can’t-buy Rod Laver Arena court walk and behind-the-scenes tour, a player meet and greet, and a photoshoot with the AO trophies.

How much does it cost to enter?

Entry is $25 per student. Bulk entry and hardship discounts are available. Contact [email protected] for further information.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledges the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as Traditional Owners of the land on which Melbourne & Olympic Park is located and recognise their ongoing connection to this land, and rich culture. We pay respects to their Elders past, present and future.