AEL News

Jun 26

Announcing the Winners of the 2026 AEL Schools Minecraft Build Challenge Series 1

By AEL News Minecraft, News, Schools

The AEL Schools Minecraft Build Challenge Series 1 united students from across Australia in the creation of remarkable worlds and imaginative designs. Participants were challenged to explore one of three distinct categories, each designed to develop creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration skills while encouraging the design of communities inspired by the themes of Ancient Echoes: Dreamtime Stories (Years 4 to 6), Ancient Echoes: Medieval Marvels (Years 7 to 9), and Engineering Failure Analysis: Structure Collapse (Years 10 to 12).

Students showcased not only exceptional technical skill and creativity, but also thoughtful consideration of how Minecraft can be used to inspire imagination, promote inclusivity, and encourage innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Each winning team will be awarded a school trophy in recognition of their outstanding achievement, dedication, and creativity. These impressive creations will also be featured on the results page, where visitors can explore images of every submission.

2026 AEL Series 1 Minecraft Challenge Results

Congratulations to Our Winners!

Following extensive review and discussion, our judging panel has selected the highest-performing builds in each category, recognising the teams that demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation, and attention to detail. We are delighted to celebrate the imagination, dedication, and enthusiasm shown by all students who took part.

Congratulations to our winners, and to every participant who contributed their ideas and talents to make this challenge a success.

Winners for Ancient Echoes – Dreamtime Stories (Years 4-6):

1st Place Winner: Ulladulla Public School (Soulsand Architects) The team beautifully depicted three Dreamtime stories, utilizing advanced redstone and command blocks to bring dynamic motion to The Rainbow Serpent, Tiddalik the Frog Flooding the Land, and Nowra the Black Cockatoo flying through the Volcano.
2nd Place Winner: St Rita’s College (The Serpents)
3rd Place Winner: Coburg West Primary School (West Coburg Whales)
3rd Place Winner: Kariong Public School (The Minecraft Builders)

**1st Place**
**Ulladulla Public School – Soulsand Architects**

Winners for Ancient Echoes – Medieval Marvels (Years 7-9):

1st Place Winner: Croydon Community School (Thor’s Hammer & Nail) Students constructed a highly detailed map titled ‘Thor’s Hammer’, masterfully showcasing the historical technologies and survival solutions used in 970 to 980 AD Scandinavia to endure enemy raids and the harsh winter environment.
2nd Place Winner: Mount Clear College (Armed and Dangerous)
3rd Place Winner: Salvado Catholic College (Salvado Medieval Marvels)
3rd Place Winner: Sydney Technical High School (The Abhi Architects)

**1st Place**
**Croydon Community School – Thor’s Hammer & Nail**

Winners for Engineering Failure Analysis – Structure Collapse (Years 10-12):

1st Place Winner: Nagle College (Nagle College Team 1) The team delivered a brilliant historical engineering analysis by recreating the Chernobyl site, incorporating sophisticated redstone wiring and complex command blocks to accurately simulate the physics and progression of the reactor meltdown.
2nd Place Winner: St Aloysius College (RMS Aloysius)
3rd Place Winner: Melba Copland Secondary School – Senior Campus (Voxelaris)

1st Place
Nagle College – Nagle College Team 1

Thank You

We would like to sincerely thank all students, parents, and teachers who participated in and supported Series 1 of the 2026 AEL Schools Minecraft Build Challenge. We also extend our gratitude to the Minecraft Education and Microsoft teams for their ongoing partnership and support in helping AEL deliver this event through such an engaging and innovative platform.

The enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by students throughout the challenge have made this event an outstanding success. We look forward to welcoming participants back for future competitions and continuing to provide exciting opportunities for students to showcase their talents, collaborate with others, and bring their ideas to life.

Congratulations to participants and our winners for Series 1!

The Australian Esports League is sponsored by AGON by AOC the gaming monitor partner, HyperX Australia the peripheral partner, Officeworks the retail partner and Indomie Australia the noodle partner.

Jun 12

Love0

AEL to Host Premier Inclusive Esports Tournament and Career Seminar in Bairnsdale

By AEL News News, Schools

Regional Victoria’s digital sports landscape is set for a major expansion next week with the launch of the 2026 Gippsland Esports Competition. Running from Thursday 19th June to Monday 22nd June, the multi-day event will bring inclusive, high-level competitive gaming and structural industry education to the heart of East Gippsland.

Delivered in partnership by the Esports Collective and the Australian Esports League (AEL), with official support from Esports Australia and the Victoria State Government, the tournament will activate a newly approved regional footprint at the Esports Collective headquarters, located at 58 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale.

Supported by funding from the Victorian Government, the entire program is completely free to attend for schools, competitors, and the general community. The initiative prioritises grassroots participation, regional youth engagement, and a comprehensive commitment to accessible sports infrastructure.

The event structure covers three distinct operational activations:

Primary School Cup (Thursday 19th June): Junior student teams will represent their schools in structured, team-based brackets featuring Mario Kart World and EA Sports FC 26.
Community Day & Industry Pathways Seminar (Saturday 20th June): An all-ages public open day featuring casual tournament brackets in Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart World, EA Sports FC 26, and a dedicated F1 25 Fastest Lap Challenge. Concurrently, the AEL production crew will deliver presentation-style career seminars.
High School Cup (Monday 22nd June): Secondary school squads will face off in F1 25, Mario Kart World, and Super Smash Bros, competing for official AEL championship podium medals.

A core mandate of the 2026 competition is its comprehensive All Abilities framework. To ensure a completely level playing field, the arena floor has been fully equipped with specialised adaptive gaming hardware, including Xbox Adaptive Controllers and Logitech Adaptive Kits.

Furthermore, tournament administrators are implementing a structured player grading and handicap classification protocol. This allows real-time adjustments to be made during player briefings, ensuring balanced, equitable, and highly competitive matches for participants of all physical and cognitive capabilities.

In addition to traditional tournament brackets, Saturday’s layout introduces an institutional focus on regional workforce development. The newly structured Esports Industry Pathways Seminars will run as 60-minute presentation-style masterclasses (featuring a 45-minute walkthrough and a 15-minute open Q&A). Senior AEL technical staff will pull back the curtain on the digital economy, demonstrating the exact live broadcast mixing, tournament refereeing software, and venue power logistics required to execute major national events.

All competitive modules and school brackets will operate strictly under the Victorian Government’s Fair Play Code, reinforcing integrity, safety, and mutual respect across the entire digital sports ecosystem.

While entry across all divisions is free, player caps remain strictly enforced to ensure operational quality on the floor. Regional schools, individual competitors, and families can view the full daily schedules and secure their registration spots directly via the official event portal.

Find out more at www.ael.org.au/gippsland2026

The AEL is proudly sponsored by:

AGON by AOC the gaming monitor partner

Indomie Australia the noodle partner

HyperX the gaming peripherals partner

Officeworks a retail partner

Jun 02

Love0

Australian Esports League Returns to Oz Comic-Con Melbourne This Weekend

By AEL News Events

The Australian Esports League (AEL) is excited to announce that we are heading to Oz Comic-Con Melbourne this weekend, taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The event runs across Saturday and Sunday, with doors open from 9:00am to 5:00pm each day.

Whether you are a competitive gamer, casual player, or simply exploring everything Oz Comic-Con has to offer, the AEL brings a high-energy gaming experience packed with competitions, prizes, and interactive activities.

Find Us at the Event

You will find the AEL gaming zone next to Just Dance and directly behind the Table Top zone, making it an easy and exciting stop as you explore the show floor.

Our space is designed to be accessible, engaging, and open to all attendees—whether you’re jumping in for a quick game or aiming to take home a major prize.

Free-to-Play Competitions & Activities

Step into the AEL zone and take part in a lineup of competitions running across both days of the event, with exciting prizes from our partners up for grabs.

Counter-Strike 1v1 Tournament

Think you’ve got what it takes to win a clutch?

Compete in our Counter-Strike 1v1 free-for-all tournament using the custom Jump Castle map, where quick reflexes and sharp aim are key.

How it works:

Players sign up on-site for their turn to compete
Each competitor plays within a pool format
Winners of each pool receive an AEL token
Token holders return at 3:00pm for the finals bracket

Prizes:

The ultimate winner each day takes home an AGON by AOC CS2 Edition 24.5″ 310HZ Monitor (Model: CS25G)

HyperX Fastest Lap Challenge

Put your driving skills to the test in our F1 25 fastest lap competition, running across both Saturday and Sunday.

How it works:

Players sign in for a session
Each driver is given 10 minutes to set their fastest lap time on Xbox using an Xbox controller
Times are tracked across the entire weekend

Prize:

The fastest driver of the weekend wins a HyperX Jet Wireless headset

Indomie Cornhole Challenge

Looking for something fun and fast-paced between matches? Jump into the Indomie Cornhole Challenge.

How it works:

Players sign up and take turns tossing bean bags
Each successful throw scores 1 point

Prize:

All participants receive Indomie goodies based on performance
Players who score 3 or more points are entered into a national prize draw to win an OMEN MAX Gaming 16-inch Laptop (Model: 16-ah0013TX) which is awarded to one randomly selected participant from the Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney Oz Comic-Con Indomie Cornhole Challenge events

See You There!

Oz Comic-Con Melbourne is one of Australia’s biggest celebrations of pop culture, gaming, and community.

Come by our zone, challenge your friends, test your skills, and experience esports in a fun, welcoming environment. Whether you are competing for prizes or just jumping in for a casual game, there is something for everyone.

We cannot wait to see you there!

The Australian Esports League is proudly sponsored by:

AGON by AOC the Gaming Monitor Partner
Indomie Australia the Noodle Partner
HyperX the Gaming Peripheral Partner
Officeworks a Retail Partner

May 27

Love0

The AEL is Heading to Oz Comic-Con Adelaide!

By AEL News Events, News

The Australian Esports League is excited to announce that we are heading to Oz Comic-Con Adelaide this weekend, taking place May 30 and 31 at the Adelaide Showgrounds. Doors are open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Whether you are a seasoned gamer, a curious newcomer, or just looking for something fun to do between panels and cosplay showcases, the AEL has something for you!

Find Us at the Event

You will find the AEL near the food trucks, just next door to the Magic: The Gathering Learn to Play area. It is the perfect spot to grab a bite, play some games, and easily jump back into your favourite panels, shows, and meet-and-greets.

Free Play Gaming Zone

Step into the AEL gaming zone and jump straight into the action with our free play area open to all attendees.

We will be showcasing the latest in high-performance gaming with AGON by AOC monitors, paired with:

Nintendo Switch 2
Xbox Series S

It is the perfect place to test your skills, try out new games, and hang out with friends in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

F1 25 Fastest Lap Challenge

Think you have got what it takes to be the fastest on track?

Join our F1 25 Fastest Lap Competition, running across both days of the event. Set your best lap time and climb the leaderboard for your shot at daily prizes!

Powered by HyperX gaming peripherals (available at Officeworks), this is your chance to race with top-tier gear and prove your speed.

Daily prizes will be awarded to the fastest drivers, so make sure you give it your best shot!

Learn to Play Magic: The Gathering

Looking to try something new or return to a classic?

Right next door to our gaming zone, you will find the Learn to Play experience for Magic: The Gathering.

Perfect for new players and returning fans
Guided sessions from friendly team members
FREE Welcome Deck for every participant

It is a great way to meet people, learn the game, and dive into one of the world’s most iconic trading card experiences.

See You There!

Oz Comic-Con Adelaide is always an incredible celebration of gaming, pop culture, and community, and we are proud to be part of it once again.

Come say hello, jump into a game, set a lap time, or learn something new. We cannot wait to see you there!

The Australian Esports League is proudly sponsored by:

AGON by AOC the Gaming Monitor Partner
Indomie Australia the Noodle Partner
HyperX the Gaming Peripheral Partner
Officeworks a Retail Partner

Jun 20

Love1

Race to Glory: Divisional Play In It’s Final Weeks

By AEL News News, Schools

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of fierce competition as teams go head-to-head, fighting tooth and nail to secure a spot in the top four of DIVISIONAL League Play. Each thrilling game has the potential to completely shake up their positions on the leaderboard, so the pressure has been on as we enter the final weeks!

The top four teams in each division will advance to the DIVISIONAL Finals. Moving forward the top four teams from each state will compete in the STATE Finals with the best from each state earning the ultimate bragging rights of competing in the NATIONAL Finals.

Congratulations to the Week 5 leaders!

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Saint Luke’s Catholic College – BowlOfRamen
St Edmond’s College – Xenophane
CathWest Innovation College – Flame
John Paul College – Anson JPCEsports
Penrith Christian School – Just a weeb

Overwatch 2:

DIVISION 1

KGSCOW1
SPLC A
SLC Thirst Crushers
SEC Wolfpack 1

DIVISION 2

ACES ow_three
SLC Gneurshk Gamers
SMGS Bottom 500
SCA Overscotch

Rocket League:

DIVISION 1

TonersRL
Kedron SHS
Lynwood SHS
Ripley Raptors Blue

DIVISION 2

PCS
YVG Watermelon
JPC RL1
ACES RL_Three

DIVISION 3

Trinity Esports
JPC RL2
Whitebridge #2
SCCC White

The AEL is proudly supported by

Jun 14

Love1

Raging Rivalries: DIVISIONAL League Play Heats Up for Top Four Spots!

By AEL News News, Schools

It has been a fortnight since the previous update, with teams currently still engaged in intense competition within the DIVISIONAL League Play. Each Saturday, week after week, these teams fiercely clash in pursuit of their ultimate objective: claiming one of the coveted top four positions in their respective divisions. Every victory holds the power to deliver astonishing upheavals in the rankings, leaving spectators in awe.

The battles continue until June 17th, as anticipation builds for the thrilling outcomes that lie ahead! The top four teams in each division will then advance to the DIVISIONAL Finals. Moving forward the top four teams from each state will compete in the STATE Finals with the best from each state earning the ultimate bragging rights of competing in the NATIONAL Finals.

Congratulations to teams currently in the top four positions!

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Saint Luke’s Catholic College – BowlOfRamen
St Edmond’s College – Xenophane
Hunter School of the Performing Arts – maiothegreat
John Paul College – Anson JPCEsports

Overwatch 2:

DIVISION 1

KGSCOW1
SPLC A
SLC Thirst Crushers
SEC Wolfpack 1

DIVISION 2

ACES ow_three
SLC Gneurshk Gamers
SMGS Bottom 500
Hills Grammar Excelsior

Rocket League:

DIVISION 1

TonersRL
Kedron SHS
Lynwood SHS
Ripley Raptors Blue

DIVISION 2

PCS
YVG Watermelon
ACES RL_Three
JPC RL1

DIVISION 3

Trinity Esports
SCCC White
JPC RL2
WhiteBridge #2

The AEL is proudly supported by

Jun 07

Love1

Melbourne Oz Comic-Con, we’re coming for you!

By AEL News Events, News

As excitement continues to mount for Oz Comic-Con Melbourne 2023, we are eagerly preparing for the event. Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience on June 10-11 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

The AEL’s commitment to supporting the next generation of gamers is evident in their invitation to ACER High Schools Cup students and AEL University League players in the Melbourne region to participate in the newly released Street Fighter 6 and the popular video game Rocket League, Mario Kart and Overcooked in the first-ever gaming stage at Oz Comic-Con.

Crowd challenge participants will be chosen from the crowd, so attendees are encouraged to raise their hands high to get noticed by the friendly AEL staff. Cosplayers will also have an excellent opportunity to showcase their costumes not only during the match but also before and after the tournament. Whether you’re into anime or gaming, there will be plenty of chances to strike your best pose for the esports audience.

If you’re looking to participate in the tournament, here’s the schedule:

ON STAGE

Saturday

10:00am – 12:00pm: High School Mario Kart 8
12:30pm – 2:30pm: Street Fighter 6 Open
3:00pm – 5:00pm: Open Crowd Challenge Overcooked

Sunday

10:00am – 12:00pm: High School Rocket League
12:30pm – 3:30pm: University Rocket League Showcase
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Open Crowd Challenge Overcooked

OFF STAGE

Saturday

10:30am Minecraft (High School)
11:00am Just Dance (High School)
12:00PM Super Smash Bros.
1:00PM Mario Kart
2:00PM Super Smash Bros.
3:00PM Mario Kart

Sunday

12:00PM Super Smash Bros.
1:00PM Mario Kart
2:00PM Super Smash Bros.
3:00PM Mario Kart

Overall, Oz Comic-Con Melbourne 2023 promises to be an unforgettable event, and AEL’s participation is sure to make it even more exciting. Whether you’re a gamer, cosplayer, or simply looking for an exciting day out, don’t miss this chance to be a part of the action.

“We would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsor for making our appearance at Oz Comic-Con possible. Their support has allowed us to bring the esports to these events and we are thrilled to have them on board.”

The AEL is proudly supported by

Jun 01

Love1

What’s on? We’re headed to Oz Comic-Con Adelaide

By AEL News News

AEL is excited to announce our return to Oz Comic-Con Adelaide, and this year we’re bringing some amazing partners with us!

AEL’s gaming area is the ultimate destination for gamers who want to savor the experience of playing on ACER Predator’s powerful gaming laptops and AOC’s high-performance monitors. Our free play area is open to all attendees, so you can try out the latest gaming hardware and enjoy a wide selection of games. But that’s not all!

Our gaming area also features exciting gaming tournaments that you can participate in and showcase your skills.

Tournament Schedule – Saturday & Sunday

11am Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
12pm Mario Kart
1pm Halo
2pm Super Smash Bros Ultimate.

We know that gaming can work up an appetite, and what better way to satisfy your hunger than with a warm, delicious bowl of Indomie noodles? That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that attendees can grab free noodle packets at our booth, but it’s first come first serve, so make sure you visit us early to grab your share!

If you’re new to the world of Magic the Gathering or simply interested in learning more about the game, AEL’s partnership with Magic the Gathering is the perfect opportunity for you. We’re thrilled to be teaming up with this iconic card game to offer attendees a chance to learn the ins and outs of Magic the Gathering from experienced players. Throughout the event, we’ll be hosting beginner-friendly games and tutorials, where you can learn the basics of the game, practice your skills, and gain confidence in your abilities. Our Magic the Gathering experts will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and help guide you through the gameplay. You might even walk away with some goodies for your efforts.

So don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn and play Magic the Gathering at Oz Comic-Con Adelaide with AEL. All this excitement will be taking place at Oz Comic-Con Adelaide on June 3-4 at the Adelaide Showground.

The event is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, giving attendees plenty of time to check out all the booths, attractions, and celebrity guests. So, mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend of gaming fun!

Tickets are currently available via Oz Comic-Con’s official website.

Tickets

The AEL is proudly supported by

May 30

Love1

Divisional League Play Heats Up in the ACER High Schools Cup

By AEL News News, Schools

Last weekend, week 2 of DIVISIONAL League Play for the ACER High Schools Cup Powered by Predator took place! Week after week, these teams go head-to-head on Saturdays until June 17th, all with one goal in mind: securing a spot among the top four in their division. Teams who make it into the top four will progress onto DIVISIONAL Finals!

Let’s take a look at the current standings.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate:

Saint Luke’s Catholic College – BowlOfRamen
St Edmund’s College – Xenophane
Hunter School Of The Performing Arts – maiothegreat
John Paul College – Anson – JPCEsports2

Overwatch 2:

DIVISION 1

KGSCOW1
SPLC A
SEC WOLFPACK 1
SCCC GOLD

DIVISION 2

ACES ow_three
SLC Gneurshk Gamers
SCA Overscotch
SMGS Bottom 500

Rocket League:

DIVISION 1

TonersRL
Lynwood SHS
Kedron SHS
Ripley Raptors Blue

DIVISION 2

PCS
YVG Watermelon
ACES RL_Three
JPC RL1

DIVISION 3

Ripley Raptors Orange
Trinity Esports
SCCC White
JPC RL2

For more information on Rocket League within the ACER High School Cup be sure to check out:

www.rloceania.com/hs

Congratulations to all teams who currently hold the top four positions! Check back next week to see how the your favorite team stands!

Goodluck to all participants!

The AEL is proudly supported by

May 24

Love0

Teams continue to battle it out in The Acer High Schools Cup!

By AEL News News, Schools

Exciting news from the Acer High Schools Cup powered by Predator! Last weekend marked another thrilling chapter as teams progressed to the second out of five stages, known as DIVISIONAL League Play. Week after week, these teams go head-to-head on Saturdays until June 17th, all with one goal in mind: securing a spot among the top four in their division. Every single win has the potential to create a jaw-dropping shift in the standings!

The top four teams in each division will then advance to the DIVISIONAL Finals. Moving forward the top four teams from each state will compete in the STATE Finals with the best from each state earning the ultimate bragging rights of competing in the NATIONAL Finals.

Congratulations to teams currently in the top four positions!

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: