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Celebrating Creativity and Innovation: The 2023 AEL Minecraft Competition Winners

By Events, High School Cup, Minecraft, News

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the 2023 AEL Minecraft Competition! This year’s competition saw an incredible display of talent, ingenuity, and a deep understanding of the themes across all age groups. Students across Australia from Year 5-12 showcased their skills in Minecraft, creating masterpieces in three distinct categories: medieval architecture, eco-friendly living, and sustainable cities.

Winning schools received a trophy for their students accomplishments with students receiving medallions and merit certificates for placing in the top 3. The student team with the overall best submission received a gamer pack comprising of RIG 500 Pro gaming headsets went to Alfred Deakin High School’s Year 9 Team 2.

A Showcase of Medieval Marvels: Year 5-6 Category

The medieval architecture category challenged Year 5-6 students to travel back in time and recreate historical wonders. The creativity and attention to detail in these builds were nothing short of astounding.

Winners:

  • 1st Place: GG’s
    • School: The Knox School
    • The team showcased a medieval Japan shiro with a detailed castle at the centre with fortifications including moat and outer walls. The design shows a smart aesthetic approach to showing medieval life in Japan. The students went so far as to depict an invading force highlighting the tumultuous times.
  • 2nd Place: Guacamole
    • School: Eltham College,
    • The submission shows a medieval town with castle, towers and town built into a mountainous setting. The students utilised different materials available in Minecraft to highlight different sections of the medieval life with a colourful market and chapel.
  • 3rd Place: The Falcon Kingdom
    • School: The Knox School
    • The students showcased a popular castle design featuring a stone keep ringed with Balista, bailey, outer wall and draw bridge over a moat. The submission shows creative use of Minecraft to demonstrate different aspects of medieval life within a castle setting.

Innovations for a Greener Tomorrow: Year 7-9 Category

In the eco-friendly living category, students in Years 7-9 were tasked with designing living spaces that harmonize with nature. The entries displayed a profound understanding of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Winners:

  • 1st Place: Year 9 Team 2
    • School: Alfred Deakin High School
    • The winning submission showcased a detailed community with multiple houses and buildings demonstrating different applications of eco-friendly living. From regenerative building materials to renewable sources of energy and water the students showed a complex use of Minecraft to demonstrate eco-friendly living.
  • 2nd Place: The Asian Investors
    • School: The Knox School
    • The students showcased a modern home that utilised natural light, multiple green energy sources, greenhouse garden and a creative use of Minecraft materials to provide a colourful demonstration of eco-friendly living.
  • Equal 3rd Place: Team 4
    • School: Cavendish Road State High School
    • The team presented a strong concept for eco-friendly living in a modern setting which is highlighted by a solar power system that track sunlight, vertical greenhouse garden, natural light and regenerative building materials.
  • Equal 3rd Place: 3d Terraria
    • School: The Knox School
    • The team built a town to demonstrate eco-friendly living applications across a variety of property settings. This incorporated green energy sources, harmony with nature, regenerative building materials and transport.

Envisioning Sustainable Cities: Year 10-12 Category

Our oldest participants, from Years 10-12, were challenged to conceptualize sustainable cities. The results were futuristic, practical, and showcased a visionary approach to urban development.

Winners:

  • 1st Place: Emmanuel Gold
    • School: Emmanuel Catholic College
    • The submission shows a modern inspired city featuring a series of skyscrapers and multiple sustainable city initiatives on display. These include green energy initiatives, urban revitalization projects, vertical gardens, transportation, harmony with nature, waste management and community spaces.
  • 2nd Place: Team 1
    • School: QLD Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology
    • The students showcased a city built into the natural environment with greenery throughout and some creative applications of Minecraft materials to showcase concepts including an alternative green powered lift system. The submission is colourful and lively example of an imagined sustainable city that features regenerative building materials, a community in harmony with the environment, green power initiatives and more.
  • 3rd Place: Team 2
    • School: Cavendish Road State High School
    • The students showcased a modern sustainable city with medium rise construction that depicts green energy, regenerative building materials, communal spaces, transport, food and waste management concepts. The submission features integration with the surrounding environment using different Minecraft materials to showcase a variety of biomes.

A Heartfelt Thanks to All Participants

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to every student who participated in the 2023 AEL Minecraft Competition. Your creativity and passion for building a better world have truly inspired us all.

To see all submissions please visit www.ael.org.au/minecraft-results

As we close the chapter on this year’s AEL Minecraft Competition, we look forward with anticipation to what the next edition will bring in 2024. This competition is more than just a showcase of Minecraft skills; it’s a celebration of the boundless creativity and potential of our young minds. It’s a testament to how technology, when combined with education and creativity, can foster a deeper understanding of important concepts like sustainability, history, and community living.

To schools and stakeholders who have been part of this journey, your support and engagement have been instrumental in making this event a resounding success. We encourage you to continue being a part of this innovative educational experience. To those who are yet to join us, we extend an invitation to be part of a movement that is shaping the way our students engage with technology and learning.

We extend a special thank you to the Mojang Studios, the Microsoft Education team and to our sponsors AGON by AOC and Indomie Australia for supporting the AEL’s programs this year.

The AEL Minecraft Competition is more than just a competition; it’s a platform for students to express their ideas, challenge their creativity, and contribute to a dialogue about our world’s future. As we prepare for the 2024 edition, we look forward to seeing new schools, new students, and new ideas. Together, let’s build a community that champions creativity, innovation, and learning.

Join us in making the 2024 AEL Minecraft Competition an even bigger success. Let’s inspire, let’s innovate, and let’s create a brighter future, one block at a time.

The AEL are looking for educators and community members alike who are keen to participate in this growing initiative – please reach out to our friendly team at [email protected] to see how you can get involved.

AEL University Elite Series Season 2 Kicks Off with Top Universities in Esports Showdown

By News, University Cup

In an exhilarating development for university sports enthusiasts, the second season of the AEL University Elite Series is gearing up to roll out soon. As esports continues to rise in popularity, eight top-tier universities are all set to showcase their prowess, battling it out in the adrenaline-pumping realm of electronic sports.

This much-anticipated series will see club representatives from each university go head-to-head in a multi-week tournament, culminating in a grand finale where the title of “Esports University Champion” awaits the victor.

The game taking center stage this season? None other than the wildly popular rocket-powered car football sensation: Rocket League. A game that fuses the thrill of soccer with aerobatic vehicular maneuvers, ensuring fans and participants are in for an electrifying treat.

Let’s take a moment to introduce the universities competing for the crown:

  1. The Australian National University (ANU Esports): Known for their strategic prowess, ANU Esports is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
  2. University of Sydney (SUCOGS): With a legacy of competitive spirit, SUCOGS is anticipated to bring their A-game to the series.
  3. University of Newcastle (UON Esports): With a strong lineup, UON Esports promises fierce competition and unforgettable matches.
  4. The University of Western Australia (UWA Esports): A name synonymous with excellence, UWA Esports is prepped and primed for action.
  5. Griffith University (Griffith Esports): Never to be underestimated, Griffith Esports is all set to carve a niche this season.
  6. RMIT University (RMIT Esports): A long standing powerhouse in the AEL University ecosystem, ready to show they can take the season out.
  7. UNSW (UNSW Esports Club): A club that boasts a blend of new talent and seasoned pros, they’re determined to leave an indelible mark.
  8. Macquarie University (MQU Gaming): Ready to challenge the norms, MQU Gaming is the dark horse everyone’s watching out for.

Fans from across the nation and beyond are eagerly waiting to rally behind their preferred teams, as they embark on this digital combat of skills, tactics, and reflexes.

While the roars of the crowd might be virtual, the passion, spirit, and intensity are as real as it gets. Here’s to electrifying matches, unforeseen twists, and the ultimate crowning of a university that’ll reign supreme in the world of esports.

The countdown to the AEL University Elite Series Season 2 has begun. Get ready for a sporting spectacle like no other as matches start THIS WEEK!

The AEL is proudly sponsored by:
AGON by AOC the gaming monitor partner
Indomie Australia the noodle partner

AEL High School Esports Cup: Announcing Our Division Champions!

By High School Cup, News

The AEL High School Esports Cup has been a spectacle of talent, skill, and dedication! With 256 students from schools all over the country participating, it’s been a truly thrilling journey, and today we’re excited to announce the champions of our divisions!

Rocket League

Division 1:

  1. 🥇Lynwood SHS from Lynwood Senior High School
  2. 🥈Kedron SHS from Kedron State High School

Division 2:

  1. 🥇YVG Watermelon from Yarra Valley Grammar
  2. 🥈PCS from Penrith Christian School

Division 3:

  1. 🥇Trinity Esports from Trinity College Beenleigh
  2. 🥈Whitebridge #2 from Whitebridge High School

Overwatch 2

Division 1:

  1. 🥇KGSCOW1 from Kelvin Grove State College
  2. 🥈SLC Thirst Crushers from St Laurence’s College – official
  3. 🥉SPLC A from St Peters Lutheran College

Division 2:

  1. 🥇ACeS OW_Three from Albany Creek State High School
  2. 🥈SLC Gneurshk Gamers from St Laurence’s College – official
  3. 🥉SCA OverScotch from Scotch College Adelaide

Smash

For Smash, the competition was fierce and played out in a single division:

Top-16 Bracket:

  1. 🥇BowlOfRamen from St Luke’s Catholic College
  2. 🥈Flame from CathWest Innovation College
  3. 🥉Xenophane from St Edmunds College

Consolation Bracket:

  1. 🥇Glue Eater from St Luke’s Catholic College
  2. 🥈Zamazanta101 from Albany Creek State High School
  3. 🥉Aarizy from The Hills Grammar School

To every team, every player, every teacher, every coach, and everyone else involved, we’d like to extend our deepest thanks. Your dedication, skill, and spirit brought the AEL High School Esports Cup to life, making it an unforgettable experience.

Hold onto your controllers, keyboards, and excitement, as we are just warming up! 🚀

Mark your calendars for the State Championships on August 26th (Rocket League only) to September 2nd and gear up for the Nationals on September 9th. We promise, the best is yet to come!

Stay tuned, stay competitive, and once again, thank you!

The AEL are proudly sponsored by:
AGON by AOC the gaming monitor partner
Indomie Australia the noodle partner

First-Ever AEL Minecraft Challenge Successfully Launched with Over 130 Teams Participating

By High School Cup, Minecraft

Sydney, Australia – The Australian Esports League (AEL) proudly announces the successful launch of its inaugural Minecraft Challenge, witnessing an overwhelming participation of students across the country.

With 63 teams from Year 5-6 exploring Medieval Architecture, 71 teams from Year 7-9 innovating around Eco-friendly Living, and 15 teams from Year 10-12 delving into the intricacies of Sustainable Cities, the stage is set for an unprecedented educational journey.

Microsoft and its Minecraft: Education team have thrown their weight behind the initiative, further solidifying the challenge’s standing in the industry. “It’s amazing to see this participation in the Minecraft: Education challenges with AEL. From projects covering Eco-living and sustainability to exploring Medieval Architecture, this all has a great impact within and beyond the classroom. We can’t wait to see the results,” says Dan Bowen, Tech Strategist, Microsoft Australia.

The AEL welcomes a total of 29 schools to the first edition:

Alfred Deakin High SchoolBrisbane Grammar SchoolCavendish Road State High School
Eltham CollegeEmmanuel Catholic CollegeHunter River Community School
John Paul CollegeKelvin Grove State CollegeKincoppal-Rose bay Junior School
Mater Christi CollegeMentone Grammar SchoolMonivae College Hamilton
Penrith Christian SchoolPunchbowl Boys’ High SchoolQueensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
Rolling Hills Primary SchoolSt Francis Catholic CollegeSt Joseph’s College, Lochinvar
 The Knox SchoolViewbank College
Edmund Rice CollegeEltham CollegeEmmanuel Catholic College
Hunter River Community SchoolJames Fallon High SchoolJohn Paul College
Kelvin Grove State CollegeKincoppal-Rose bay Junior SchoolMarist Regional College
Mater Christi CollegeMentone Grammar SchoolMonivae College Hamilton
Morisset High SchoolPenrith Christian SchoolPunchbowl Boys’ High School
Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and TechnologyRedeemer Lutheran CollegeRolling Hills Primary School
St Francis Catholic CollegeSt Joseph’s College, LochinvarSt Lukes Catholic College
Sunnybank Hills State SchoolThe Knox SchoolViewbank College
Villanova CollegeWantirna College 

The AEL, additionally sponsored by AGON by AOC, a leading gaming monitor brand, and Indomie Australia, a renowned noodle brand, has positioned the challenge as a nexus of entertainment, education, and innovation.

Sarah Jae, Director of the Australian Esports League, shared his excitement, “The AEL Minecraft Challenge is not just a game; it’s an intersection of imagination, learning, and technology. The robust support from industry stalwarts like Microsoft, AGON by AOC, and Indomie Australia underlines our shared vision of fostering creativity and strategic thinking in our young minds. This initiative has started a movement, and I am incredibly proud of its promising start.”

Teams for each division are:

Year 5-6 exploring Medieval Architecture

Schools, industry stakeholders, and fans are encouraged to follow the teams’ progress and engage in the fascinating journey of digital creativity and learning that the AEL Schools Minecraft challenge brings.

For more information visit www.ael.org.au/minecraft


About Australian Esports League (AEL)

The Australian Esports League is a national esports ecosystem enabling participation for players of all skill levels across Australia in well-structured video game tournaments. Our focus is on building community and showcasing the talent of players across the country. Established in 2016 the AEL has developed a national Schools and University ecosystem along side a series of live events and tournaments for all skill levels.

Weekend Recap: AEL High School Cup Divisional Finals

By High School Cup, News

Week 1 of the AEL High School Cup Divisional finals concluded over the weekend, it was evident that passion and skill were the driving forces behind each match. Schools are competing to determine who will finish in first place for each division before progressing into the State and National championships.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Showdown

The weekend kicked off with the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate top-16 double elimination bracket, leaving fans at the edge of their seats.

BowlOfRamen from St Luke’s Catholic College emerged as the undisputed champion, taking down the Grand Final with back-to-back 3-0 sets. Following closely, Flame from CathWest Innovation College secured the second place, while Xenophane from St Edmunds College showed his prowess to clinch third.

Big congratulations to the following students for their final placement in the tournament!

1st Brent “BowlOfRamen” from St. Luke’s Catholic College
2nd Daniel “Flame” from CathWest Innovation College
3rd Zachary “Xenophane” from St. Edmund’s College

The consolation bracket for all those that did not make the top-16 finals will play out this weekend August 19th with the action playing out on www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague3

Consolation bracket: https://challonge.com/aelhsssbu23t3poconsolation              

 

Overwatch – A Clash of Titans

In the Overwatch segment, both Division 1 and Division 2 played their top-4.

Division 1 was graced by a powerful performance from KGSCOW1 of Kelvin Grove State College, taking down SEC Wolfpack 1 from St Edmunds College with a clean 2-0. SLC Thirst Crushers from St Laurence’s College advanced to the next stage due to a forfeit from SPLC A of St Peters Lutheran College.

Over in Division 2, ACeS OW_Three from Albany Creek State High School dominated their game against SMGS Bottom 500 from Snowy Mountains Grammar School, concluding with a 2-0 win. Similarly, SLC Gneurshk Gamers from St Laurence’s College made their mark by beating SCA OverScotch from Scotch College Adelaide 2-0.

Play will continue this weekend, August 19th live on www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague2

1:30pm AEST      OFF STREAM Division 1 3rd place match (St. Edmund’s College Wolfpack 1 vs St. Peter’s Lutheran College)
1:30pm AEST      OFF STREAM Division 2 3rd place match (Snowy Mountains Grammar School vs Scotch College Adelaide)

1:30PM AEST – Division 1 Final – KGSCOW1 vs SLC Thirst Crushers 
2:45PM AEST – Division 2 Final – ACeS OW_Three vs SLC Gneurshk Gamers 

Division 1 Finals bracket: https://challonge.com/bovu0yut
Division 2 Finals bracket: https://challonge.com/8v8e7kl7

Rocket League – Revving Engines and Soaring Goals

Rocket League, with its three divisions, had the top four from Division 1 and 2 competing with gusto.

In Division 1, Kedron SHS from Kedron State High School effortlessly progressed after a forfeit from Ripley Raptors Blue of Ripley valley State Secondary College. Meanwhile, Lynwood SHS from Lynwood Senior High School displayed an impeccable game strategy to outscore TonersRL from Mentone Grammar School, with a scoreline of 3-1.

Moving on to Division 2, YVG Watermelon from Yarra Valley Grammar showcased their elite skills by beating ACeS RL_Three from Albany Creek State High School 3-1. Not far behind, PCS from Penrith Christian School showcased a dominant performance, trouncing JPC RL1 from John Paul College 3-0.

Division 3 to play this weekend followed by the grand finals of div 2 & 1

Division 3 Teams:

  • Trinity College Beenleigh Esports
  • John Paul College RL2
  • Whitebridge High School #2
  • Southern Cross Catholic College White

August 19th schedule is as follows, streamed on www.twitch.tv/RLOceania:

1:00pm AEST      Division 3 Semi-Final #1
1:45pm AEST      Division 3 Semi-Final #2
2:30pm AEST      Division 3 Final
3:15pm AEST      Division 2 Final (Yarra Valley Grammar vs Penrith Christian School)
4:00pm AEST      Division 1 Final (Kedron State High School vs Lynwood State High School)

Rocket League Bracket: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iaI2kNEUWkREWBifB5LrO9lDNBiOGyzgpWZ-sH-R57Y/edit#gid=645281475

Thank you to all participants and to all the supporters of the league!

Action-Packed Weekend Awaits

By High School Cup, News

The AEL High School Esports Cup 2023 resumes play this weekend with the Divisional Finals.

Schools competing in the AEL High School Esports Cup are due to compete in the Divisional Finals starting this weekend. After a short hiatus, schools from across the region are set to dive back into competitiona cross as Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bros’ Ultimate, and Rocket League.

The AEL High School Esports Cup, since its inception, has been the stage where students demonstrate their talent. Offering a unique blend of competition, camaraderie, and the thrill of representing one’s school, the league has been pivotal in championing esports in the educational sector.

Schedule & Streaming

Brace yourselves for a weekend of epic showdowns.

Join us each week and show your support for your favourite school, all matches will be live-streamed. Fans can tune in to AEL’s official Twitch and YouTube channels to catch all the action live. Not to mention, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and match analyses by our expert panel.

The games are scheduled as follows:

Saturday 12th August – Semi-Finals:

  • Rocket League from 1pm AEST, live on www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague1
  • Super Smash Bro’s Ultimate from 1pm AEST, live on www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague3
  • Overwatch 2 from 1:30pm AEST, live on www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague3

Saturday 19th August – Finals:

  • Rocket League from 1pm AEST, live on www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague1
  • Super Smash Bro’s Ultimate from 1pm AEST, live on www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague3
  • Overwatch 2 from 1:30pm AEST, live on www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague3

Mark your calendars, set up your viewing stations, and rally behind your school’s champions. The AEL High School Esports Cup 2023 promises not only to showcase the top young talent in esports but also to offer a weekend of relentless excitement and fervor. Let the games begin!

Group Standings Recap: A Quick Glimpse

As we head into the Divisional Finals , here’s a brief rundown on where our teams currently stand:

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Top 5:

  • Saint Luke’s Catholic College – BowlOfRamen
  • St Edmond’s College – Xenophane
  • CathWest Innovation College – Flame
  • Hunter School of the Performing Arts – maiothegreat
  • Penrith Christian School – Just a weeb

 

Overwatch 2 Top 4:

DIVISION 1

  • Kelvin Grove State College – KGSCOW1
  • St Peters Lutheran College – SPLC A
  • St Laurence’s College – SLC Thirst Crushers
  • St Edmunds College – SEC Wolfpack 1

DIVISION 2

  • Albany Creek State High School – ACES ow_three
  • St Laurence’s College – SLC Gneurshk Gamers
  • Scotch College Adelaide – SCA Overscotch
  • Snowy Mountains Grammar School – SMGS Bottom 500

 

Rocket League Top 4:

DIVISION 1

  • Kedron State High School – Kedron SHS
  • Lynwood Senior High School – Lynwood SHS
  • Mentone Grammar School – TonersRL
  • Ripley Valley State Secondary College – Ripley Raptors Blue

DIVISION 2

  • Yarra Valley Grammar – YVG Watermelon
  • Penrith Christian School – PCS
  • John Paul College – JPC RL1
  • Albany Creek State High School – ACES RL_Three

DIVISION 3

  • Trinity College Beenleigh – Trinity Esports
  • John Paul College – JPC RL2
  • Whitebridge High School – Whitebridge #2
  • Southern Cross Catholic College – SCCC White

The AEL teams up with Game On CancerⓇ 

By News

The Australian Esports League (AEL) is proud to announce we are partnering with Game on CancerⓇ on a series of esports leagues for high schools, universities and corporate partners to support vital cancer research. 

Over the past three years, the Game On CancerⓇ community has raised more than $745,000 through campaigns like Superhero Streamers, PAX Australia and Holiday Spectacular to support the early-career cancer researchers that Cure Cancer funds. By joining forces the AEL will be engaging the passionate grassroots esports community to contribute to Cure Cancer’s vision of making this the last generation to die from cancer. 

“The strength of this partnership is not just the coming together of two great communities, but the vision and commitment of the individuals behind it to promote funding cancer research,” says Darren Kwan, CEO of AEL.

“We are proud to be partnering with AEL to increase engagement in schools, universities, and workplaces,” says Nikki Kinloch, CEO of Cure Cancer. “The partnership will focus on leveraging the power of the gaming community to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. We believe esports has the potential to make a real difference in the world, and we’re excited to be a part of this initiative.”  

Here’s our ask to the community: For every student who signs up to join the High School in 2023, the AEL will be donating $2 to Cure Cancer. That’s right, just by playing games and having fun, you can make a real impact in the fight against cancer! 

Not only will you be doing your part to support cancer research, but you’ll also be joining a community of like-minded gamers who share your passion for esports. It’s a win-win situation, folks! 

So what are you waiting for? Register now, team up with your friends, and let’s show the world that gamers can make a difference! Let’s play our way to a cancer-free future! 

The AEL team are also planning more ways we can support the cause, so be sure to stay tuned to our social channels for more information on future leagues or events you can be a part of as well. 

About Cure Cancer 

For the past 56 years, Cure Cancer has been dedicated to funding cutting edge research across all cancer types, giving talented young scientists the opportunity to make an impact with their innovative and ground-breaking ideas. 

Cure Cancer are the only Australian organisation dedicated exclusively to funding emerging researchers, creating a pipeline of future research success. Cure Cancer’s seed funding has kick-started over 553 cancer researcher careers and led to numerous global breakthroughs in cancers including brain cancer, breast cancer, immunotherapy, pancreatic cancer, and childhood leukaemia. Without Cure Cancer funding, these discoveries may never have been made.  

By investing in research today, Cure Cancer can safeguard the generations of tomorrow.