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

2024 Results and Winners!

Introduction

Welcome to the 2025 AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge!
Where creativity meets competition!

The Australian Open and the Australian Esports League are back again 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 2026. Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast, a budding architect, or just love the endless possibilities of Minecraft, this is your opportunity to shine.

Join us as we embark on an exciting journey where creativity meets competition! The Australian Open and the Australian Esports League invite students nationwide to reimagine the iconic Australian Open precinct in Minecraft Education. This isn’t just a challenge, it’s your opportunity to showcase innovation, sustainable design, and win exclusive experiences at AO 2025. Students will be competing for a share of the prize pool valued at more than $25,000.

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

Trademarks and affiliation

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

Key Info
Important Dates:

Registrations Open, July 28th
Building Commences, August 25th
Registrations Close, September 26th
Submissions Due, October 31st
Judging and Marking, November 3-21st
Winners Announced, November 24th

Format:
Open to students in teams of 2-4, working from school or home.

The competition is spread over four stages:

  1. Designing & planning
  2. Building
  3. Presentations & Submissions
  4. Judging
Competition Rules:

The competition is taking place using Minecraft Education Edition, students require a license to the game.

Competition Guide
Terms & Conditions:

Participants are required to be students representing their school and enrolled in Years 4-12 at an Australian school.

Terms and Conditions

Watch the 2024 Winner’s Presentation

The winning champions in each challenge group received a custom trophy made by Hench & Scrap centre court on Rod Laver Arena before the Women’s Finals.

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Prizes

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

National Champions:

1st Place in each age group category, for up to 4 students and 2 teachers:

  • Trip to the Australian Open finals weekend (covering accommodation and travel)
  • Tickets to AO25 Women’s Final
  • Tickets to AO25 Men’s Final
  • Day Pass for AO25 finals weekend
  • Oz Comic-Con Family Pass
  • Medals and Certificates
  • Custom made trophy from Hench & Scrap
  • Champions Walk and Trophy Presentation on Rod Laver Arena court
  • AOC 24G4 Gaming Monitor
  • Hyper X Gaming Package (Headphones, Keyboards and Mice)

Runner Ups:

2nd Place in each age group category, for up to 4 students and 2 teachers:

  • Oz Comic-Con Family Pass
  • Medals and Certificates
  • AOC 24G4 Gaming Monitor
  • Hyper X Gaming Package (Headphones, Keyboards and Mice)

3rd Place in each age group category, for up to 4 students and 2 teachers:

  • Oz Comic-Con Family Pass
  • Medals and Certificates
  • Hyper X Gaming Package (Headphones, Keyboards and Mice)
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Challenge Theme

AO Tomorrow – Reimagining the Future of Tennis and Major Events
In this challenge, students are invited to envision the Australian Open precinct, a major sports and entertainment festival as it could be in the future, showcasing how humanity’s advancements in sustainability, technology, and community development could transform this iconic space.

  • Years 4-6 “Future Focus”, students will design the AO FutureScape District
  • Years 7-9 “Connected Futures”, students will design a key stadium and three interlinked areas
  • Years 10-11 “The Ultimate Re-imagining: AO for the future”, students will reimagine the entire precinct

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

Challenge Theme Overview
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.

Click here to Register your School
Donating to a good cause

With each student entered a $2 donation is made to the Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF). The 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.

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 twelve or equivalent, in teams of two, three or four.

Students must be enrolled at an Australian school or in an Australian distance education program.

How long is the event?

The challenge will run for ten weeks, starting on 25th August 2025.

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 minecraft@ael.org.au 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.