The Australian Esports League (AEL) is thrilled to bring our dedicated gaming space to Oz Comic-Con Brisbane next weekend. Join us at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) on Saturday, 19 September and Sunday, 20 September. Doors are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily.
Whether you are looking to relax with a few casual rounds or test your aim for exciting rewards, our zone is built for players of all skill levels.
Find Us at the Event
Look for the AEL gaming zone, it is the perfect place to take a break from the busy show floor, connect with the community, and jump straight into the action.
Our space is designed to be accessible, engaging, and open to all attendees, whether you are jumping in for a quick game or aiming to take home a prize in our featured challenges.
Weekend Activities and Free-to-Play Fun
Step up to the screens and participate in our scheduled activities running throughout the entire weekend.
Nintendo Switch 2 Competitions
Grab a controller and settle some scores with friends in our daily Nintendo Switch 2 competitions. These sessions are purely for the love of the game and offer a fantastic way to meet fellow attendees..
How it works:
Mario Kart: Kicks off at 10:00am daily.
Super Smash Bros.: Kicks off at 2:00pm daily.
Prizes: No prizes on the line, just for fun!
Indomie Cornhole Challenge
Step up to the board and test your throwing accuracy in this fast-paced, highly rewarding physical challenge.
How it works:
Players sign up and take turns tossing bean bags
Each successful throw scores 1 point
1 point minimum is required to receive a free Indomie MiGoreng pack
See You There!
Oz Comic-Con Brisbane is set to be a massive weekend celebrating everything we love about pop culture and gaming. Make sure to drop by the AEL zone to experience grassroots esports in a highly welcoming and engaging environment.
We cannot wait to see you there!
The Australian Esports League is proudly sponsored by:
The Australian Esports League (AEL) is excited to announce that we are heading to Oz Comic-Con Sydney this weekend, taking place at the Sydney Showground. The event runs across Saturday, 12 September and Sunday, 13 September, 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 activities and interactive zones.
Find Us at the Event
You will find the AEL gaming zone between the district and cosplay central.
Our space is designed to be accessible, engaging, and open to all attendees, whether you are jumping in for a quick game or aiming join one of our featured challenges.
Free-to-Play Competitions & Activities
Step into the AEL zone and take part in a lineup of activities running across both days of the event.
Counter-Strike 2 Jump Castle
Think you’ve got what it takes to win a clutch?
Test your movement and agility in our dedicated PC area featuring the custom CS2 Jump Castle map.
How it works:
How it works: This is a casual, free-play zone available throughout the weekend.
Format: Free for all, line-up and join the next round.
Prizes: No prizes on the line, just for fun!
Nintendo Switch 2 Competitions
Join us for casual, just-for-fun tournaments on the Nintendo Switch 2 running each day. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some friendly competition with fellow attendees.
How it works:
Mario Kart: Kicks off at 10:00am daily.
Super Smash Bros.: Kicks off at 2:00pm daily.
Prizes: No prizes on the line, just for fun!
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
1 point minimum is required to receive a free Indomie MiGoreng pack
See You There!
Oz Comic-Con Sydney 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 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:
The Australian Esports League and the Australian Open have officially opened registrations for the 2026 AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge. This national educational initiative leverages the immersive environment of Minecraft Education to engage students in critical STEM capabilities, architectural design, and environmental sustainability.
The programme offers a highly practical opportunity to drive interactive, project-based learning within an internationally recognised sporting context. By participating, schools can integrate real-world problem-solving into their classrooms while students compete for a share of a national prize pool valued at over $25,000.
Programme Highlights
Curriculum Aligned: Challenge modules map directly to national HASS, Science, Design, and Digital Technologies curriculums across Years 4 to 12.
Real-World Problem Solving: Students will tackle scalable design projects, ranging from creating sustainable green fan zones to reimagining the entire Australian Open precinct as a technological and environmental leader.
Major Incentives: The prize pool includes full travel and accommodation packages to the Australian Open finals weekend in Melbourne, VIP on-court presentations, and premium technology bundles from AGON by AOC and HyperX.
Challenge Categories
Educators can register teams of three to five students across three age-specific tiers:
Years 4 to 6: Green Game Day. Students design a sustainable fan day precinct that reduces environmental impact while maximising visitor enjoyment.
Years 7 to 9: Smart & Sustainable Precincts. Students connect venues and public spaces using smart technology, renewable infrastructure, and inclusive design principles.
Years 10 to 12: The Future Grand Slam. Students take a whole-of-event view to reimagine the energy systems, infrastructure, and fan experience of the Australian Open as the world’s most sustainable Grand Slam.
Important Dates and Registration
Registrations for the 2026 programme close 28th September 2026.
We equip all participating educators with comprehensive support materials, including detailed lesson modules, assessment rubrics, and technical guides. To register your teams and download the official Educator Handbook, please visit the key information hub at www.ael.org.au/aochallenge2026.
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.
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 Architects2nd Place St Rita’s College – The Serpents3rd Place Coburg West Primary School – West Coburg Whales3rd Place Kariong Public School – The Minecraft Builders
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 & Nail2nd Place Mount Clear College – Armed and Dangerous3rd Place Salvado Catholic College – Salvado Medievel Marvels3rd Place Sydney Technical High School – The Abhi Architects
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 12nd Place St Aloysius College – RMS Aloysius3rd Place Melba Copland Secondary School – Senior Campus – Voxelaris
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.
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:
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:
The Australian Esports League is excited to announce that we’re heading back to Oz Comic-Con Perth this weekend, taking place March 28–29 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Whether you’re 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’ll find the AEL right next to the Main Stage, making it easy to jump in between 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’ll be showcasing the latest in high-performance gaming with AGON by AOC monitors, paired with:
Nintendo Switch 2
Xbox Series S
It’s 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’ve 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?
Head to the centre of the exhibition hall where the AEL team will be running a Learn to Play experience for Magic: The Gathering.
Perfect for new players and returning fans
Guided sessions from our friendly team
FREE Welcome Deck for every participant
It’s 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 Perth is always an incredible celebration of gaming, pop culture, and community, and we’re proud to be part of it once again.
Come say hello, jump into a game, set a lap time, or learn something new. We can’t wait to see you there!
What began in the immersive world of Minecraft Education reached its unforgettable climax on one of sport’s biggest stages, as the winning students from the Australian Open 2025 Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge were celebrated at Australian Open 2026.
Student teams across three divisions of Years 4–6, 7–9 and 10–12 from around Australia were rewarded with an experience money simply can’t buy: tickets to both the Men’s and Women’s Grand Slam Finals, a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the AO, and the chance to step onto one of the Australian Open’s most iconic courts.
A Front‑Row Seat to Grand Slam History
After being crowned champions last year, the winning teams travelled to Melbourne to witness tennis history firsthand, attending both finals of AO 2026 in an atmosphere few will ever forget.
Beyond match day excitement, the students were invited on an exclusive Behind the Scenes Australian Open tour, gaining rare access to areas normally reserved for players, media, and officials. Highlights included:
The Media Centre, where global tennis moments are broadcast to millions
The Champion’s Walk, showcasing legends of the sport
The Player’s Lounge, offering a glimpse into athlete life at a Grand Slam
Insight into the inner operations that power one of the world’s premier sporting events
For many students, this was their first time seeing how creativity, logistics, technology, and sport intersect at a world‑class event.
Standing Where Champions Play
One of the most memorable moments came when students were invited onto Arena 1573, where they captured photos on the court itself, a rare opportunity that left more than a few jaws dropped.
They also posed with Australia’s most coveted prizes:
The Norman Brookes Challenge Cup (Men’s Singles Trophy)
The Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup (Women’s Singles Trophy)
Standing beside these iconic trophies offered a powerful reminder of how imagination, innovation and hard work, even when starting in Minecraft, can open extraordinary doors.
Celebrating Student Innovation
Each winning team was also presented with a custom‑made trophy designed by Hench & Scrap, alongside additional prizes celebrating their creativity, collaboration, and vision for the future of the Australian Open precinct.
The Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge, delivered by the Australian Esports League in partnership with the Australian Open, invited students to rebuild and reimagine the Australian Open precinct in Melbourne Park within Minecraft Education blending digital design, sustainability, and future‑focused thinking.
Across the divisions, students tackled ambitious briefs:
Years 4–6 – “Future Focus” Students designed the AO FutureScape District, exploring sustainability and fan experience through youthful imagination.
Years 7–9 – “Connected Futures” Teams designed a key stadium plus three interlinked precinct areas, focusing on connectivity, accessibility, and innovation.
Years 10–12 – “The Ultimate Re‑imagining: AO for the Future” Students undertook a complete reimagining of the entire Australian Open precinct, presenting bold visions for the future of sport and entertainment.
The competition attracted student builders from across Australia, competing for a share of a prize pool valued at more than $25,000 and the chance to see their ideas celebrated on a global stage.
2025 Schools Block Buster Challenge Winners
Years 4–6 – “Future Focus”
School: Abbotsleigh
Team Name: The Mining Minions
Students: Elsa, Vera, Angela, Aceline
Years 7–9 – “Connected Futures”
School: Hills Grammar School
Team Name: EcoPastels
Students: Audrey, Wendy, Candice
Years 10–12 – “The Ultimate Re‑imagining: AO for the Future”
From reimagining stadiums block by block to standing courtside at a Grand Slam final, these students’ journeys are a powerful example of how education, technology, creativity, and sport can come together to inspire the next generation.
Congratulations to all the winning teams, your ideas didn’t just stay in Minecraft. They earned a place at the heart of the Australian Open.
The Australian Esports League (AEL) is thrilled to announce our return to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) this weekend for the Oz Comic-Con Xmas Edition (Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December).
Joining thousands of fans for a festive celebration of pop culture, the AEL is delivering a massive interactive gaming activation designed to get controllers in hands and trophies on shelves. Whether you are a competitive veteran or just looking for some casual fun, our zone is the place to be.
Here is everything you can do at the AEL Zone this weekend:
The Tournament Zone (10:00am – 4:00pm Daily)
We are running daily FREE to enter mini-tournaments with a “Heat” format. Winners of each heat receive a finalist token to return for the Grand Finals at 3:00pm. Prizes drawn at 4:00pm.
Mario Kart (Nintendo Switch 2) – Powered by AGON by AOC: Join us for 8-player Mario Kart World at the AGON by AOC Game Wall. The daily champion walks away with a daily AOC Gaming Monitor!
Gang Beasts Brawl (Xbox) – Powered by HyperX & Officeworks: Join the chaos on our Sound Wall. This is a light-hearted, physics-based brawl suitable for all ages. Finalists battle it out for the daily HyperX Peripheral Christmas present!
Counter-Strike 2 Free-For-All – Powered by OMEN & AMD: Jump into the “Bounce Jump Castle” map on our high-performance OMEN PCs powered by AMD. This is a high-turnover, ten player Deathmatch played on AOC monitors and HyperX gear. Finalists battle it out for a daily AOC Gaming Monitor + HyperX Peripheral Christmas present!
Partner Activations & Giveaways
Indomie Mi Goreng “Cornhole” Challenge: Test your aim in the real world! Toss the Indomie packets into the target board at our all-day casual activation. Successful shots win exclusive Indomie merch, pins, and keychains. Each contestant has 4 shots. Those who score 3+ points enter into a random draw for a AOC Gaming Monitor + HyperX Peripheral Christmas present which is given out Sunday afternoon. Attendees must be at show to receive!
The AEL “Touch Grass” Photo Spot: Prove you went outside! Snap a photo at our themed “Touch Grass” installation, tag @auesportsleague and @ozcomiccon, and you go into the draw to win an AOC Gaming Monitor + HyperX Peripheral Christmas present
Event Details:
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) [Note: Check city/venue]
When: This Weekend, December 6-7, 2025.
Come say hi to the team, grab a controller, and celebrate a massive year of esports with us. See you on the server!
UNSW Esports and UON Esports Club reigned supreme on the university stage at Oz Comic-Con Sydney while Gymea Technology High School claimed victory in the schools showdown.
The Australian Esports League (AEL) lit up Oz Comic-Con Sydney at the Sydney Showground on 20–21 September 2025, delivering another unforgettable weekend of esports action, creativity, and community connection.
We re-cap all the excitement and energy from those two incredible days, from packed crowds to nail-biting finals, the AEL Zone once again proved to be one of the most vibrant attractions on the show floor showcasing the best of Australia’s grassroots esports scene.
University Esports Showcase – A Weekend of Rivalry and Respect
Saturday saw fierce competition between university clubs from across New South Wales in VALORANT and Rocket League, with students battling for pride, trophies, and bragging rights.
The final university standings were:
VALORANT Champions:
1st Place: UNSW Esports
2nd Place: UTS Esports
3rd Place: USYD Society of Gamers
Rocket League Champions:
1st Place: UON Esports Club
2nd Place: UNSW Esports
3rd Place: MQU Gaming
Thank you to all our university competitors for putting on a spectacular show.
Young Talent Shines in Minecraft CTF Schools Showcase
Sunday turned the spotlight onto the next generation of esports stars, as schools took to the Minecraft: Capture the Flag arena for a series of thrilling matches. The strategies were sharp, the builds were clever, and the excitement was contagious.
Minecraft CTF Schools Champions
1st Place: Gymea Technology High School
2nd Place: Caringbah High School
3rd Place: Oxley Park Public School
Relive the Action: Sydney Esports Showcase Photo Album
The energy, the passion, the victories! Find yourself in the crowd and check out all the highlights from the weekend below, the full photo album is available at www.facebook.com/auesportsleague
An Interactive Zone Full of Energy
Away from the main stage, the AEL Zone buzzed with activity all weekend. The HyperX and Officeworks Soundwall let players experience pro-level gear, the Indomie Australia zone offered a relaxed space for casual gaming and noodles, and the AGON by AOC play wall stunned attendees with its crystal-clear displays and silky-smooth gameplay.
Every corner of the space was alive with laughter, competition, and discovery proving once again why the AEL Zone remains a highlight of every Oz Comic-Con stop.
A Heartfelt Thank You
A massive thank you to all the players, students, teachers, and university clubs who made the Sydney showcase a success. Your skill and enthusiasm continue to drive the growth of esports in Australia.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to our partners HyperX, Officeworks, AGON by AOC, and Indomie Australia for their ongoing support and for helping us deliver these amazing interactive experiences.
A special thank you to AMD and HP Omen for providing the high-end gaming PC’s powering the esports stage and enusring our student competitors enjoyed the highest in gaming quality.
And of course, a huge thank you to the Oz Comic-Con team for hosting another fantastic event.
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