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Logan Esports Cup 2023: A Testament to the Growing Popularity of Esports

By Events, News

The 2023 Logan Esports Cup presented by the Australian Esports League and supported by the Logan City Council Event Attraction Program returned for its second year with a bang, drawing a crowd of over 300+ enthusiastic gamers from all over the region. The Logan Entertainment Centre in Logan, QLD was filled with excitement and anticipation as everyone was eager to compete and showcase their skills in the various games offered at the event.

One notable aspect of the Logan Esports Cup was the significant representation of female participation at 25.7%. This is a positive development for the gaming industry, as it shows that esports is becoming more inclusive and diverse. The event organizers made a conscious effort to encourage participation by providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all gamers.

As expected, the gaming action at the Logan Esports Cup was intense and thrilling. Gamers brought their own controllers, which added a personalized touch to the event. One of the attendees commented “I made sure to bring my own controller to the Logan Esports Cup, as I know firsthand the advantage it can provide and how it can improve my chances of winning. This is my second time attending the event, and I was so excited about it that I brought along some friends to compete alongside me.”

The atmosphere was electric, with spectators cheering on their favourite players and teams. The Logan Entertainment Centre was transformed into a hub of competitive gaming, with players going head-to-head in SSBU, Rocket League and Mario Kart with $1000 prize pool spread across the games.

Congratulations to all the winners of the various games offered at the event. Your hard work, skill, and determination paid off and we hope this win will serve as an inspiration to continue pursuing your passion for esports.

WINNERS

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Jix
  • Finn
  • PillowTalk
  • Dags

Mario Kart

  • BeatyRoots
  • Bomma
  • Fwicko

Rocket League

  • Yurreey
  • Jcool-.-
  • a e r o.
  • Invor123

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the attendees of the Logan Esports Cup for their generous support and enthusiastic participation and also to Logan City Council who without, this event would not have been possible.

We look forward to seeing you all again at the next Logan Esports Cup, where we can come together once again to celebrate the thrill of competitive gaming and showcase the best that the Australian gaming community has to offer.

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From Free Play to Competition: A Recap of the 2023 Goulburn Esports Cup

By Events, News

The Goulburn Mulwaree Council, in partnership with the Australian Esports League (AEL), hosted the 2023 Goulburn Esports Cup at Goulburn Comic Con. The event took place at Ross Whittaker Stadium from March 18th to 19th, 2023.

The event provided an excellent platform for attendees to participate in esports, furthermore it provided newcomers the opportunity to understand the strategy and teamwork involved in competitive gaming, and to witness the incredible skill and talent of the players around their community.

One attendee shared their thoughts on the event, saying, “I’m so delighted that Goulburn has been able to host an event like this, normally I play video games alone, never entered a competition so it’s really cool to be able to play with other avid players.

Overall, the 2023 Goulburn Esports Cup was a fantastic event and we thank the Goulburn Mulwaree Council for the commitment and creating opportunities for people to connect and engage with esports.

WINNERS

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Kinaji
  • Mouseface Killah
  • Jay

Mario Kart

  • sirstichalot
  • toasted_panini
  • Dr Context

Rocket League

  • Void
  • Ratt14
  • Kwerkles
  • MightyShibe

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Newcastle Esports Cup Unites Community Through Passion For Gaming

By Events, News

The Newcastle Esports Cup, presented by the AEL and the Central Leagues Club, held on March 11-12th in Charlestown, NSW featured a $1000 prize pool that was spread across Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, 2v2 Rocket League, and Mario Kart 8. The event also catered towards High School students who competed and received medals for their outstanding performance.

The Newcastle Esports Cup brought together over 120+ participants from the region who participated in tournaments and free play. It was a pleasure to witness kids playing alongside their parents and it was even more exciting seeing kids make new friends as they played together bonding over common interests in esports and shared experiences. With laughter and chatter filling the air It was clear that everyone was having a great time. The joy and laughter were infectious, and it was heart-warming for us to see the power of esports in action.

WINNERS

Rocket League Highschool:

  • Callen and Zo from Hunter Sports High School
  • Content Light 799 and Bezza from Toronto High School

Highschool Super Smash Bros. Ultimate:

  • Windo, Casper, Callan and Zo from Hunter Sports High School

Rocket League Open:

  • Rayyan ‘Ray14’, Yasir ‘ Void’, Jaxon ‘Abticzz’ and Samuel ‘Zex’

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Open:

  • Isaac ‘Froggo’, Faithe ‘Sumi’ and Kurt ‘Spike’

Mario Kart Open:

  • Faithe ‘Sumi’, Magnus ‘Techlord’ and Kurt ‘Spike’

The AEL believe that events like these play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and belonging. They provide an opportunity for the community to spend quality time together, while also encouraging socialisation and the formation of new friendships.

AEL Event Coordinator Scott Benco said, “We were truly delighted to see how an event like this brought together people of all ages and skill levels, showcasing their passion for esports and video games in the spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie.”

We would like to extend our gratitude to ACER Predator for providing high-performance laptops and AOC for supplying high-quality monitors, which contributed greatly to the success of the event. Central Leagues Club also deserves recognition for providing an excellent venue, with plenty of space for players and spectators to enjoy.

Lastly, we would also like to take a moment to thank the Newcastle community who came together to make the event a memorable one. Your enthusiasm and support helped create a positive and welcoming atmosphere at the event and we appreciate your involvement and contribution to the gaming community.

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The 2023 Acer High School Summer Series welcomes 212 students!

By Events, High School League

The Acer High School Summer Series powered by Predator is about to begin and it’s going to be an electrifying event! This Saturday, 11th March, get ready to witness an incredible display of talent as 212 students across 39 teams and 22 schools kick off their first matches!

Please join us in welcoming the following schools to The 2023 Acer High School Summer series!

Overwatch 2:

  • Albany Creek State High School
  • Emmanuel Catholic College
  • Heathfield High School
  • Mentone Grammar
  • St Edmund’s College
  • Whitebridge High School
  • Ripley Valley State Secondary College
  • Southern Cross Catholic College
  • St Francis de Sales College
  • Trinity Beenleigh College

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate:

  • Albany Creek State High School
  • CathWest Innovation College
  • Emmanuel Catholic College
  • Good Shepherd Lutheran College
  • John Paul College
  • Mentone Grammar
  • Murray Bridge High School
  • Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
  • St Edmund’s College
  • St Francis de Sales College
  • ST Joseph’s College Geelong
  • Yarra Valley Grammar

Rocket League:

  • Albany Creek State High School
  • Bishop Druitt College
  • Emmanuel Catholic College
  • John Paul College
  • Mentone Grammar
  • Murray Bridge High School
  • Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
  • Ripley Valley State Secondary College
  • Southern Cross Catholic College
  • St Francis de Sales College
  • St Peter Claver College
  • Trinity Anglican College
  • Trinity Beenleigh College
  • Tyndale Christian School Strathalbyn
  • Yarra Valley Grammar

Students of all ages and skill levels will showcase their gaming skills in this online tournament over a period of 4 weeks. Competing in Overwatch 2 (5 v 5), Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (1 v 1) or Rocket league (3 v 3) students will battle to be crowned the Champions while representing their schools.

Whether you’re a student yourself or simply a fan of esports, mark your calendars and get ready for an incredible event. The Acer High School Summer Series powered by Predator is the ultimate gaming tournament for high school students, and we can’t wait to see who will emerge victorious! So, get ready to witness an exciting display of talent and cheer on your favorite teams as they battle it out for the championship title!

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Join the Hype: Australia’s biggest CS:GO Uni League

By News, University League

Are you ready to take your university’s CS:GO team to the next level? Look no further than the Australian Esports League’s (AEL) university league!

The AEL runs the biggest university league for CS:GO in Australia, with an elite series and open cup that have attracted over 3,000 participants from 28 different universities. That’s right, 3,000+ students just like you have joined the ranks of this top-tier esports competition.

And if you’re wondering if CS:GO is still as popular as it used to be, the answer is a resounding YES! Just two weeks ago, CS:GO broke its previous player record of 1,308,963, which was set three years ago. And on February 19, 2023, the game surged again, reaching a new record of 1,324,800 concurrent players. That’s a lot of players!

But don’t worry, you won’t be lost in the crowd of CS:GO players. The AEL University Cup is the place to be if you want to stand out as a top competitor in the country. And with Steam’s most popular title by your side, you’ll be ready to take on the competition.

What’s more, CS:GO is Steam’s most popular title, with almost double the concurrent player count of Dota 2, more than three times that of Hogwarts Legacy, and more than five times that of Apex Legends. That’s a lot of players who are dedicated to the game, and with the AEL University Cup, you’ll be joining a community of like-minded individuals who are just as passionate about esports as you are.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your team, sign up for the AEL University Cup, and let’s show the world what your university’s CS:GO team is made of! With the biggest university league for CS:GO in Australia and a game that’s more popular than ever, there’s never been a better time to get in on the action. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the game, the AEL has a spot for you. Don’t miss out on the chance to compete at the highest level and showcase your skills to the nation.

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What to expect: AEL events are back

By Events, News

Since 2018, the AEL has been working hard to host events that bring the gaming community together, showcase the best talent, and provide opportunities for gamers to connect with each other. With our events about to commence we wanted to share with you what you can expect! Whether it’s featuring at major conventions or hosting our own pop-up events, there’s never been a better time to get involved and experience the excitement for yourself.

At our events, the focus is on participation and bringing the community together. Whether you’re a seasoned esports pro or a newcomer looking to get involved, there’s a place for you! You’ll be able to showcase your talents, play against other gamers, and meet like-minded people who share your passion for gaming. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with others and make new friends.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an esports event without competition! Our events offer plenty of opportunities for gamers to test their skills and compete against each other. But it’s not all about competition. We welcome gamers to join in the fun, whether you’re there to compete or just have a good time. There’s no pressure to be the best, and everyone is encouraged to participate at their own pace.

Perhaps most importantly, our events are a safe and inclusive space for all. All AEL events are an inclusive and LGBTQIA+ safe space, which means that everyone is welcome and respected, regardless of their background or identity. Inclusivity is an essential part of the AEL ethos, and it’s something that our team takes seriously. The AEL team is warm, welcoming, and always happy to chat with gamers who attend and answer any questions you may have. From the moment you arrive, we want to make sure you’ll feel like you’re part of something special.

In summary, if you’re a gaming enthusiast looking for a chance to bond with others who share your passion, our events are for you. With friendly and welcoming staff, a focus on participation and inclusivity, and plenty of opportunities to showcase your skills, what are you waiting for!? Come and see what all the fuss is about, and experience the excitement for yourself. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Join the Excitement: Sign up for The Acer High School Summer Series!

By High School League, News

The Acer High School Cup powered by Predator has taken the nation by storm since its inception in 2019, featuring over 50 high schools, 1500 student players and an average of 200 players per season. With popular games such as SSBU, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Minecraft featuring over the years, students can indulge in their love for video games and esports while honing their cognitive skills, team building, communication, and sportsmanship.

With tournaments conducted during each term of the school year on Saturdays and selected matches broadcast online, The Acer High School Cup offers students the perfect platform to pursue their passion and familiarize themselves with the latest technology and software.

This national program is designed to provide high schools across Australia with a well-structured and competitive environment for students to showcase their gaming skills and passion. The program promotes participation and student development with trophies, medals, and merit certificates up for grabs.

2023 kicks off with the Summer Series with registrations due 27th February! Taking place over 4 weeks, students can expect an exciting competition, showcase their talent and play with like minded peers.

Esports promotes number of benefits for students including cognitive development, participation, team building and more! We are thrilled and excited to welcome a new cohort of students to the 2023 High School esports program, we can’t wait to see everyone in competition showing off their skills and joining our community of like-minded gamers.

Darren Kwan, Director Australian Esports League

The Summer Series will feature competitions for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (1 v 1), Rocket League (3 v 3) and Overwatch 2 (5 v 5) available to students of all skill levels and ages.

Schools compete nationally online each Saturday with select matches streamed by the AEL commentary team to showcase student talent in the competition.

Key things to know:

  • Registrations are due 27th February;
  • Competition is open to all with the AEL promoting inclusivity;
  • Takes place online over 4 weeks with matches each Saturday;
  • AEL are partnered with the eSafety Commissioner promoting a safe environment for all;
  • There are more games coming for next series!

And the best part? There’s no limit to how many teams and students can participate from each school! So, gather your classmates and register your high school today! Let’s get ready to compete and make some memories that will last a lifetime.

Teachers and parents are welcome to reach out to the AEL team with any questions. We look forward to welcoming all schools to the program.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of The Acer High School Cup. Sign up now and be a part of the ultimate high school esports experience!

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Get Ready for an Exciting Season of Esports with the AEL University Cup!

By News, University League

Are you a university student with a passion for esports and gaming culture? Then get ready to put your skills to the test, because the AEL University Cup is back for its 2023 season, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

Since its inception in 2017, the AEL University Cup has been providing students from all over Australia with a structured and well-governed tournament to showcase their gaming abilities. With a total of over 3000 participants from 28 different universities over the years, the AEL University Cup has established itself as one of the leading esports tournaments in the country.

Over 200 matches have taken place in the past, featuring games like Rocket League, CS:GO, Rainbow Six Siege, Dota 2, World of Tanks, Tekken 7, SSBU, and many more. The matches take place once a week, with selected games broadcasted online, providing students with the opportunity to reach a wider audience and showcase their skills.

The AEL University Cup offers a prize pool of over $3500, spread across two seasons, making it not only a competition for aspiring players but also for those who are interested in the production, casting, observing, and competing aspects of the tournament. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, there’s something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Registrations for Season 1 2023 are now open, and they close on March 20th. The first matches will take place on March 27th, so gather your team and get ready to game on!

The AEL University Cup is the perfect opportunity for university students to come together and share their love of esports and show off their skills. Don’t miss out on this exciting event and sign up today!

ael.org.au/uni/

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Top 5 Countries Dominating the Esports Scene in 2023

By News

In just a few short years, Esports has exploded onto the scene and taken the world by storm. From a niche hobby to a booming billion-dollar industry, Esports has captured the hearts and minds of millions of players worldwide. With top titles like League of Legends, Fortnite, Dota 2, and CS:GO, the Esports community is constantly growing and thriving. Professional players from all corners of the globe now number in the tens of thousands, and the debate over which country consistently produces the best competitive gamers continues to rage on. Let’s take a look at the top 5 countries set to dominate Esports in 2023.

1. South Korea: South Korea is a true trailblazer in the world of Esports. Regarded as the birthplace of the Esports phenomenon, this nation has consistently produced some of the best competitive gaming stars the world has ever seen. From the legendary Starcraft, to the all-time classic League of Legends, and the popular battle royale game PUBG, Korea produces Esports legends on a routine basis.

One of the biggest names in Esports, “Faker” is a South Korean gaming star who has won over $1.2 million in prize money. Other notable South Korean stars like “Bang” and “Wolf” have made their mark in the gaming world, both competing in League of Legends and earning nearly a million dollars in prize money. The Korean players have also dominated the Starcraft 2 scene, with stars like Rogue and Maru earning more than a million dollars each. The success of these players is a big reason for the popularity of games like League of Legends and has earned Korean players a significant amount of prize money. The country has been broadcasting Esports on public television for nearly 20 years and has government-supported academies for professional gamers to ensure its continued success in the industry. South Korea stands firmly atop the Esports standings, committed to maintaining its position as a leader in the world of Esports.

Credit: LoL Esport Photos

2. China: The Chinese government’s formal recognition of esports in 2019 has set the stage for the country to become a major player in the industry. Predictions indicated that China would soon become the second-largest esports market after the US, and with its commitment to developing the next generation of competitive gaming talent, the country is well on its way to reaching that goal. China has established a dedicated esports town in Hangzhou and other cities like Shanghai, Wuhan, and Guangzhou have followed suit, setting up their own esports support programs.

With the world’s largest gaming industry by number of gamers, China is poised for further growth in the esports space. Nearly 600 million people in the country play games on phone, PC, or console, and the country has a diverse esports ecosystem with players competing in both global and locally developed games. Dota 2 player “Somnus” has almost reached prize winnings of $3 million, while League of Legends superstar “Uzi” has earned over $545,000 in prize money. While some of the wealthiest LoL players are still predominantly South Korean, Chinese players “JackeyLove” and “Ning” have made a name for themselves, ranking among the top ten players with the highest earnings. The future is bright for the Chinese esports industry, and the country is poised to continue its upward trajectory.

Credit: VCG

3. Denmark: Denmark is known for its thriving esports scene and has been attracting fans from all over the world. The country is home to some of the most talented esports players and has produced unmatched talent in the industry. Danish players are renowned for their victories across various esports, including CS:GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2.

One of the most notable Danish esports teams is Astralis, a CS:GO team that has won consecutive majors, including the Berlin Major 2019. Danish League of Legends players like Bjergsen, Broxax, Caps, and Wunder are legends in the scene and Dota 2 players like N0tail, Cr1t, and MiSeRy are some of the highest earning and most recognizable in the industry.

The Danish government started supporting the esports scene in 2019 and has been making efforts to further nurture the industry. The country is committed to growing its esports scene and producing future legends, as it recognizes the potential of esports in the country. With a thriving esports community and a history of producing successful and well-known esports stars, Denmark is poised to continue making waves in the industry.

Credit: Igor Bezborodov | Starladder

4. USA: The United States of America has a strong and thriving Esports scene that attracts players and fans from all around the world. With prominent figures like multi-millionaire celebrity Fortnite gamer “Ninja” and League of Legends player “Sneaky,” the USA has proven to be a hotbed for top-tier Esports talent.

US gamers like UNIVERSE, ppd, and Fear have made a huge impact in the Dota 2 community, rising up the highest earnings list and cementing their place as some of the best players in the world. The country also holds multiple significant Esports titles to date, including Bugha’s record-breaking win in the Fortnite World Cup Solo in 2019. Despite not always having the best environment for Esports development, players from the USA often venture to Europe for bootcamps to face stronger rivals, further solidifying their commitment to excellence in the Esports scene. With a diverse and supportive community, the future of Esports in the USA looks bright, with many top performers and promising players emerging every day.

Credit: Robert Reiners

5. Sweden: Sweden’s influence in the European esports scene cannot be underestimated. As the host of the DreamHack esports tournament in Jönköping, the country has been at the forefront of the industry since the 90s. Sweden’s commitment to nurturing its esports talent is evident in the numerous players who have made their presence felt across the globe.

Dota 2 talents like s4 and ZAi, as well as CS:GO players like Olofmeister, f0rest, and KRiMZ, are testament to Sweden’s strength in esports. The country is not limited to just a few games, as demonstrated by the stunning performances of “Armada” in Super Smash Bros and the skills of “Toxjqs” in Quake 4. It’s easy to see why Sweden is quickly emerging as an esports superpower.

Sweden has a thriving esports scene, with players renowned for their skills and achievements. The DreamHack tournament has produced some of the most memorable esports moments and is a testament to Sweden’s commitment to the industry. With a rich history of nurturing talent, the future of esports in Sweden looks bright and the country will continue to play a leading role in the European esports scene.

Credit: Dreamhack

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Get in the Game: A Guide to some of the most popular Esports games worth checking out!

By Events, News

Esports has exploded in popularity over the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down. With millions of fans tuning in to watch top players compete in the world’s biggest video games, it’s no surprise that the industry is flourishing. With the massive popularity of Esports, it’s difficult to cover all the games worth exploring. However, we’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of the most popular Esports games that are worth checking out!

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) CS:GO is a well-established game in the Esports community, boasting a massive following of over 20 million players worldwide. The game pits two teams of five players against each other as terrorists and anti-terrorists. The teams are given two distinct objectives to complete in two different game scenarios: Bomb defusing and Hostage Rescue. In Bomb defusing, the terrorist team aims to plant a bomb while the anti-terrorists work to prevent it. On the other hand, in Hostage Rescue, the counter-terrorist team must rescue hostages and bring them to safety. With its fast-paced, tactical gameplay, CS:GO has become a leading first-person shooter Esports game, capturing the attention of fans globally.

Credit: thatshelf

Dota 2 – Dota 2 is an Esports game that has maintained its popularity over the years. Created by Valve Corporation in 2013 Dota 2 boasts a large player base of over 7.7 million players globally. The game consists of two teams of 5 players each, Radiant and Dire, battling to destroy the enemy Ancient with players choosing their preferred Hero from a roster of over 100 characters. The International, the biggest Dota 2 tournament also hosts the largest single tournament prize pool of any Esports event, reaching 40 million US dollars. The tournament takes place annually and has been hosted in various cities around the world, such as Cologne and Stockholm, since 2011. Its intricate gameplay and strategic depth attract top-notch players and make Dota 2 a highly competitive and entertaining esports game.

Credit: talkesport

League of Legends (LOL) – This game is a staple of the esports scene and has been at the top of the competitive ladder for years. LOL is a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) developed by American video game developer Riot Games in 2009 boasting a monthly player base of over 117 million. In LOL, two teams of five players each control unique Champions, taking on roles such as Toplane, Midlane (Carry), ADC (Attack Damage Carry), Support, and Jungler. The team must work together to gain the advantage over their opponents by destroying objectives and ultimately infiltrating the enemy base to destroy their nexus. The League of Legends World Championship is the premier professional tournament in the League of Legends scene, organized annually by Riot Games. It boasts a substantial prize pool of 2.23 million US dollars and drawing top talent from around the world.

Credit: pinnacle

Fortnite – Fortnite, the popular third-person shooter esports game developed by Epic Games in 2017, has managed to maintain its original hype even after several years of its release. With three modes to choose from, Save the World, Battle Royale, and Creative, players can explore different aspects of the game. The player-versus-player Battle Royale mode hosts up to 100 players, with the objective of the game being to be the last survivor. Fortnite’s unique focus on resource gathering and building structures for tactical advantage is what makes it stand out from other Battle Royale games and it is widely considered as the battle royale game to beat. The major competition in Fortnite known as the World Cup, is sponsored by Epic Games offering a prize pool of 100 million dollars and has been held annually since 2019, attracting players from all over the world to showcase their skills.

Credit: The Guardian

Overwatch 2 – Overwatch, a game that debuted in 2016 from Blizzard Entertainment, has left a lasting impact in the gaming industry. In 2022, Overwatch 2 was introduced and with the intention of unifying players and creating a seamless transition to the new game, the original was discontinued. Players are divided into two teams with each player choosing a hero from a roster of 35 characters. The heroes are categorized into damage, support, and tank classes, each with their own set of active, passive, and ultimate abilities. The objective of the game is to engage in player versus player (PvP) combat across a variety of modes and maps, with both casual and ranked matches available. Overwatch 2, much like its predecessor, offers a unique and thrilling experience for players, combining elements of first-person shooter and MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena). The Overwatch League is an international Esports league presented by Blizzard Entertainment offering a prize pool of 4.20 million US Dollars and featuring some of the best Overwatch players in the world.

Credit: Robert Paul / Blizzard Entertainment

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