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Australian Esports League Monthly Update – September 2024

By Events, High School Cup, Minecraft, News, Primary School Cup, University Cup

Welcome to the September edition of the AEL newsletter! As we approach the final quarter of 2024, it’s been a busy and exciting month for the AEL, with incredible events and ongoing competitions.

This month we launched our epic partnership with the Australian Open and announced the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge, a new and unique Minecraft Education event that challenges students to re-imagine the Australian Open! We’ve seen intense competitive play across our High School and University leagues which you can re-watch the action on our Twitch or Facebook channels. PLUS we hosted two awesome activations at Oz Comic-Con in Brisbane and Sydney!

Let’s dive into some of the latest highlights and key upcoming events.

Recent AEL Events

AEL High Schools Cup Term 3 – Recap: Term 3 of the AEL High Schools Cup has wrapped up, and it’s been another thrilling season of esports action across Australia! Congratulations to all teams for their dedication and sportsmanship. You can catch detailed results on our social media, let’s celebrate our champions!

  • In Overwatch 2 the Division 1 winner was Kelvin Grove State College!
  • In Rocket League the Division 1 winner was St Peter Claver College!
  • In Minecraft: Capture the Flag the winner was St Peter’s Lutheran College
  • In Trackmania the ultimate racer was “TheBeefLessCow” from Pacific Pines State High
  • In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate the champion was “BowlOfRamen” from St Luke’s Catholic College

Term 4 is just around the corner, with registrations open until October 25th. Schools can sign up for their chance to compete in some of the most exciting games in esports. For more information and to register your school, visit our High Schools Cup page.

Oz Comic-Con Brisbane and OZ Comic-Con Sydney: The AEL made its mark in Brisbane on September 14-15 and in Sydney on September 21-22 with our gaming activation, where we brought the action to the show floor with our AEL Gaming Zone! Fans and attendees had the opportunity to experience some free play gaming action all weekend, meet our team, and get involved in community pick-up tournaments.

We’ve captured some fantastic moments from both weekends. Be sure to check out our photo albums for a recap of the event: Photo Album – Brisbane, Photo Album – Sydney.

Upcoming AEL Events

2024 AEL University Cup Series 2: The stakes are rising as we head into the playoffs for both the AEL University Cup and the AEL Elite Series. Teams have battled through tough competition, and now, the best will compete for the championship titles.

The finals will take place on October 21st, where teams will fight for top honours and prizes. Keep an eye on our socials for announcements and updates and how to watch the action live! We wish all University students competing the best of luck.

2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Competition – Series 2: This series is well underway, and we’re already seeing some creative and innovative submissions from students across Australia. All student submissions are due by October 18th with marking taking place until the winner’s are announced November 4th!

This series focuses on three themes: Mythic Australia (Years 4-6), Designing for Accessibility (Years 7-9), and The Global Challenge (Years 10-12). Each category presents a unique opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills. Learn more about the challenge here.

AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge: Don’t miss out on your chance to participate in this exciting Minecraft competition, we are challenging schools and solo entrants to reimagine the Australian Open precinct with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and innovation. Registrations for both school teams and solo participants close on October 18th. Whether you’re competing with your school or flying solo, there’s still time to join the action and showcase your creativity. Learn more and register here.

The AEL is proudly supported by its partners:

AGON by AOC the gaming monitor partner

Indomie Australia the noodle partner

‘AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge’ launched on Minecraft Education

By Events, Minecraft, News

The Australian Open today announced the launch of the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge, a collaboration with the Australian Esports League as part of its Minecraft Education Esports Programs in Schools.

The Challenge aims to inspire creativity and teamwork by inviting students from across Australia to rebuild and reimagine the iconic Australian Open precinct within the immersive world of Minecraft Education.

In addition to bringing the magic of the Australian Open to classrooms, students will have the opportunity to learn about architecture, design, and sustainability and have the chance to win a money-can’t-buy experience at AO 2025.

“The Australian Open has long been at the forefront of innovation in sports and community engagement,” Ridley Plummer, Tennis Australia’s Senior Manager Digital Sales and Metaverse said.

“The AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to engage young minds and bring the spirit of the Australian Open to a new generation. We are excited to see how students creatively reimagine one of tennis’s most iconic venues within the world of Minecraft.

“Schools play a crucial role in the tennis ecosystem in Australia, by nurturing young talent, fostering a love for the sport, and building the foundation for future champions.”

By participating in the Challenge, students will use their creativity and problem-solving skills to reimagine the Australian Open precinct, capturing its essential features while incorporating their own innovative ideas.

The project emphasises sustainable design, encouraging students to integrate eco-friendly features such as renewable energy sources, green roofs, and water conservation systems.

The interactive project will also help students enhance their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills, learn about environmental responsibility, and develop teamwork and communication abilities.

Open to all students in years four to eleven, the project fosters a sense of community and shared learning experiences. In the spirit of inclusion, there will also be an ‘ALL IN’ Tournament for home schooled students across Australia wanting to enter a build submission individually. Students whose school cannot submit teams are also encouraged to enter through the ‘ALL IN’ Tournament.

“By partnering with the Australian Open, we are taking our Minecraft Education Esports Programs to a new level, merging the excitement of esports with the creativity of Minecraft and the passion of tennis,” Sarah Jae, Director of the Australian Esports League said.

“This initiative not only promotes important educational values but also inspires the next generation of digital and sports enthusiasts. We look forward to seeing the incredible designs that students from across the country will create.

“Together with the AO, we can’t wait to welcome tens of thousands of students on this exciting journey to blend education, Australia’s love of tennis, and the boundless creativity of Minecraft.”

Participation Details
  • Who can participate: Students in years four to eleven, in teams of two, three or four. 
  • Challenge duration: The challenge will run for six weeks, starting on 21st October 2024.
  • Submission guidelines: Participants must submit their Minecraft world file along with a brief presentation explaining their design choices and innovative features.
  • Prizes: Winners will receive exclusive prizes and trophies and their winning submissions will be showcased on the AO website and social channels. The national champions will be flown to Melbourne for an unforgettable AO experience. The grand prize includes a money-can’t-buy Rod Laver Arena court walk and behind-the-scenes tour, a player meet and greet, and a photoshoot with the AO trophies.  

For more information on how to participate, visit ael.org.au/aochallenge.

AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge is not an official Minecraft Education event. It is not approved by or associated with Mojang or Microsoft.

Welcoming all schools to Series 2 of the 2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge!

By High School Cup, Minecraft, Primary School Cup

56 Schools Ignite Creativity and Innovation in Series 2 of the 2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge

The Australian Esports League (AEL) is excited to announce that 56 schools across the nation are participating in Series 2 of the 2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge, underscoring the increasing enthusiasm for game-based learning and innovative educational initiatives in Australia.

This continued engagement highlights the growing popularity of the competition, which encourages critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy among students. Series 2 presents new and inspiring themes tailored to different age groups, with students in years 4-6 exploring “Mythic Australia,” years 7-9 tackling “Designing for Accessibility,” and years 10-12 embracing “The Global Challenge.”

Over the next ten weeks, students will immerse themselves in these themes within Minecraft, showcasing their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative skills. From designing mythological landscapes inspired by Australia’s rich cultural heritage to creating accessible environments and addressing global challenges, students are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a digital world.

“We are thrilled to see such a positive response from schools across Australia,” said Darren Kwan, Director at AEL. “This challenge continues to demonstrate the power of Minecraft as an educational tool, where students engage with critical topics, develop essential 21st-century skills, and have fun while doing it.”

The widespread participation in Series 2 underscores the importance of interactive learning platforms like Minecraft: Education Edition in today’s education. This competition not only offers students a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge creatively but also fosters a spirit of innovation and learning among schools nationwide.

The Australian Esports League extends its sincere thanks to all participating schools and looks forward to celebrating the diverse talents of students across all categories. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting educational journey!

About the AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge:

The AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge is an annual event that challenges students to build creative and innovative Minecraft worlds inspired by specific themes. The competition is open to Australian schools, with separate pools for Years 4–6, 7–9, and 10–12. For more information, visit www.ael.org.au/minecraft.

With special thanks to Mojang Studios and the Microsoft Education team in Australia.

About the Australian Esports League (AEL)

The Australian Esports League (AEL) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting esports in Australia’s education sector. With a focus on student engagement, skill development, and community building, AEL provides a platform for schools to participate in structured esports competitions and programs.

Celebrating Creativity and Collaboration: Winners of the 2024 AEL Minecraft Competition Series 1

By High School Cup, Minecraft, News, Primary School Cup

We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the first series of the 2024 AEL Minecraft Competition! This exciting event saw over 200 submissions from students across Australia, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and innovative thinking.

The competition featured three categories: Years 4-6 Neighbourhood Heroes, Years 7-9 Mathematical Marvels, and Years 10-12 Literary Landscapes. Each category highlighted the incredible talents of our young builders, who crafted detailed and imaginative Minecraft worlds.

Winners for Years 4-6 Neighbourhood Heroes:

  1. 1st place: Team Mapwee from Lauriston Girls’ School
  2. 2nd place: Team CSPS O&L from Charlestown South Public School
  3. 3rd place: Team Penguin from Sheldon College

Winners for Years 7-9 Mathematical Marvels:

  1. 1st place: Team Year 9 OLSH Kensington from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Kensington
  2. 2nd place: Team One from St Johns College
  3. 3rd place: Team Three from St Johns College and 3d Terraria from the Knox School

Winners for Years 10-12 Literary Landscapes:

  1. 1st place: Team Cube 2 from Kardinia International College
  2. 2nd place: The Creepers from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Kensington
  3. 3rd place: Claver Crafters Senior from St Peter Claver College

Competition Categories

In the Years 4-6 Neighbourhood Heroes category, students designed Minecraft builds that celebrated everyday community heroes like doctors, teachers, and public servants. The Years 7-9 Mathematical Marvels category challenged students to create intricate structures that incorporated mathematical principles and concepts. For the Years 10-12 Literary Landscapes category, students brought literary worlds to life, crafting detailed environments inspired by their favourite books and stories.

Each winning team will receive a custom-made trophy from Hench & Scrap, a testament to their hard work and creativity. These remarkable creations will also be showcased on our winners page, featuring images from each submission.

About Hench & Scrap

Hench & Scrap is a renowned crafting and fabrication team known for creating incredible bespoke cosplay, props, trophies and more with a dedication to detail and worldbuilding for the games industry. Their expertise lies in transforming raw materials into stunning works of art, making them the perfect partner for awarding our talented competition winners. The custom trophies they have created are unique symbols of achievement and creativity, reflecting the hard work and dedication of each winning team.

Thank You

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students, parents, and teachers who participated and supported this competition over the ten-week period. Your enthusiasm and dedication have made this event a resounding success. We look forward to welcoming everyone’s returning enthusiasm for Series 2, starting later this year. Stay tuned for more exciting challenges and opportunities to showcase your incredible talents!

For more details and to view the winning submissions, visit the winner’s page: https://ael.org.au/minecraft-results/

Congratulations to all our winners and participants!

Exciting Update from the Australian Esports League: Introducing Minecraft Capture The Flag!

By High School Cup, Minecraft, Primary School Cup

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new addition to our Australian Esports League Cups—Minecraft Capture The Flag! Starting from Term 2, this dynamic and strategic game will be included in both the High School and Primary School Cups, marking the debut of our very first primary school esports tournament.

What’s New? Minecraft Capture The Flag brings a fresh challenge to the arena. It’s a 5-on-5 format where teams battle to capture the most flags within a set time limit. This game tests not only quick thinking and strategy but also teamwork and communication skills.

Schedule and Registration: Both the High School and Primary School tournaments will follow a structured schedule, with Term 2 kicking off soon:

  • Primary School Cup:
    • Registrations Close: Friday, 10th May
    • Game Days: Every Tuesday starting 21st May to 11th June, at 3:45 PM AEST
    • Available for Years 4, 5 and 6
  • High School Cup:
    • Registrations Close: Friday, 10th May
    • Game Days: Every Saturday starting 18th May to 8th June, at 10:30 AM AEST
    • Available for Years 7-12

For more details and to register, visit our dedicated pages: Primary School Cup | High School Cup

Entry is $125 + GST per team.

All students will need access to Minecraft Education edition.

Prizes and Recognition: The season champions from each cup will be awarded a trophy, celebrating their strategic prowess and teamwork. The top three teams won’t just enjoy the glory; they’ll also receive medallions and merit certificates—a testament to their skills and competitive spirit.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this groundbreaking esports adventure. Whether you’re stepping into the arena for the first time or aiming to add another trophy to your collection, Minecraft Capture The Flag is your playground for creativity, strategy, and sportsmanship.

Join us this term for an unforgettable esports experience!

Welcoming all schools to Series 1 of the 2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge!

By Events, Minecraft, News

Over 60 Schools Ignite Creativity and Collaboration in Series 1 of the 2024 Minecraft Schools Competition

The Australian Esports League (AEL) is thrilled to announce that over 60 schools nationwide are participating in the AEL Minecraft Schools Competition Series 1, a testament to the growing enthusiasm for game-based learning and innovative education initiatives in Australia.

This marks a significant milestone for the competition, highlighting its growing appeal among educators and students alike. Organized to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy, the challenge spans various themes tailored to different age groups. For those in years 4-6 they tackle “Neighbourhood Heroes”, those in years 7-9 they tackle “Mathematical Marvels” and for those in years 10-12 they will tackle “Literary Landscapes”

Students in are showcasing their creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative skills as they spend the next ten weeks working on these exciting themes within Minecraft. They’re designing neighborhoods celebrating community heroes, visualizing mathematical concepts through historical architecture, and transforming the essence of Australian literature into immersive landscapes.

“We are overwhelmed by the positive response from Australian schools,” said Darren Kwan, Director at AEL. “This competition demonstrates the power of Minecraft as a transformative educational tool. Students are engaging with subjects in new ways, developing essential 21st-century skills, and having a blast doing it!”

This broad participation underscores the importance of interactive learning platforms like Minecraft: Education Edition in modern education. The competition not only offers students a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a creative setting but also brings together schools in a spirited exchange of innovation and learning.

Everyone at the Australian Esports League extends their heartfelt thanks to all participating schools and looks forward to showcasing the diverse talents of students across all categories. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting educational journey!

About the AEL Minecraft Schools Competition:

The AEL Minecraft Schools Competition is an annual event that challenges students to build creative and innovative Minecraft worlds inspired by specific themes. The competition is open to Australian schools, with separate pools for Years 4–6, 7–9, and 10–12. For more information, visit www.ael.org.au/minecraft.

With special thanks to Mojang Studios and the Microsoft Education team in Australia.

About the Australian Esports League (AEL)

The Australian Esports League (AEL) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting esports in Australia’s education sector. With a focus on student engagement, skill development, and community building, AEL provides a platform for schools to participate in structured esports competitions and programs.


Themes Unveiled for Series 1 of the 2024 AEL Minecraft Schools Competition

By Events, Minecraft, News

Get ready to build, collaborate, and explore fascinating concepts – the AEL Minecraft Schools Competition Series 1 themes are here! We’re thrilled to unveil the creative challenges that await students across Australia.

Years 4-6 Pool: Neighbourhood Heroes

Young builders, it’s time to celebrate the everyday heroes that make our communities thrive! Design a Minecraft neighbourhood showcasing the diverse jobs and roles that keep things running smoothly. Think firefighters, shopkeepers, teachers, and many more. Focus on teamwork and emphasize the vital contributions each person makes to the community.

Years 7-9 Pool: Mathematical Marvels

Prepare to journey back in time and bring mathematics to life! Imagine the world of a classical civilization – ancient Greece, Rome, or Egypt – then visualize mathematical concepts or geometric shapes within this setting. Build awe-inspiring structures or landscapes rooted in mathematical principles. Are you ready to blend history, design, and math in a truly unique way?

Years 10-12 Pool: Literary Landscapes

Calling all literary enthusiasts and creative architects! Delve into the world of an Australian novel or poem, transforming its essence into a Minecraft masterpiece. Construct environments, symbols, and even characters that embody the heart and soul of your chosen literary work.

Get Building & Show Off Your Skills!

Remember, registrations are still open for this epic competition! Secure your spot and unleash your students’ creativity.

  • Registration Closes: March 15th
  • Build Period: March 18th – May 24th
  • Website: www.ael.org.au/minecraft for full details and registration

We can’t wait to see the incredible worlds your students will create!

Australian Esports League announces the 2024 Minecraft Schools program

By Events, High School Cup, Minecraft, News, Primary School Cup

This years program features the return of the AEL Minecraft Build Challenge and the introduction of the AEL Minecraft Capture the Flag esports series enabling exciting opportunities for high school, primary school, and homeschool students to showcase their Minecraft skills.

The AEL is thrilled to announce its 2024 school programs, featuring two engaging Minecraft events designed to inspire creativity and strategic thinking among students across Australia. The programs include the Minecraft Build Challenge and the Minecraft Capture The Flag esports event, both set to unfold in two exciting series this year, catering to high school, primary school, and homeschool students.

The AEL is proud to continue its partnership with Microsoft and the Minecraft Education team to promote this series, building upon the success of last year’s event. This collaboration underscores our mutual commitment to delivering high-quality educational and competitive experiences for students nationwide.

Minecraft Build Challenge: Unleashing Creativity

The Minecraft Build Challenge invites students to leverage their creativity and teamwork to construct impressive structures within Minecraft. With two series planned for the year, the challenge will consist of three competition pools based on year groups: years 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12, each facing a unique theme to guide their builds. Home schoolers are also welcome, competing in a dedicated pool to ensure fair play and recognition.

First Series Dates:

  • Registrations Close: 15th March
  • Competition Starts: 18th March
  • Submissions Due: 24th May
  • Results Announced: 10th June

Second Series Dates:

  • Registrations Close: 16th August
  • Competition Starts: 19th August
  • Submissions Due: 18th October
  • Results Announced: 4th November

Themes for each competition pool will be disclosed post-registration, adding an element of surprise and excitement as teams gear up to showcase their architectural prowess.

Check out the submissions from last year’s challenge here: 2023 AEL Minecraft Build Challenge.

Minecraft Capture The Flag: Strategic Esports Action

Complementing the Build Challenge, the Minecraft Capture The Flag event will test students’ strategic and teamwork skills in a dynamic esports environment. This competition, too, will occur over two series, culminating in an in-person nationals event with details to be announced soon.

The Capture The Flag event promises to be a thrilling experience, encouraging students to engage in competitive play while fostering communication, strategy, and sportsmanship.

Empowering Students Through Esports

The AEL’s 2024 Minecraft programs aim to provide a platform for students to express their creativity, engage in healthy competition, and connect with peers sharing similar interests. Beyond the fun and excitement of gameplay, participants will have the opportunity to develop valuable life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic planning.

Stay tuned for more details on the Minecraft Capture The Flag dates and the announcement of the national event. Schools, students, and homeschoolers interested in participating are encouraged to register promptly to secure their spot in these eagerly anticipated competitions.

For more information and to register for the events, please visit the AEL’s official website: AEL Minecraft Programs.

The AEL is proud to share it is sponsored by AGON by AOC the gaming monitor partner and Indomie Australia the noodle partner.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be a part of Australia’s growing esports community through the engaging world of Minecraft. Join us in celebrating creativity, strategic gameplay, and the spirit of competition in 2024!

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.

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.