News

Nov 02

Fans Flocked to the AEL Zone at Oz Comic-Con Sydney

By Australian Esports League Events, High School Cup, News, Primary School Cup, University Cup

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.

Re-watch the live stream on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a2KePyO8Aw

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.

Oct 27

Love0

Australian Open & Australian Esports League invite students to reimagine the AO precinct in Minecraft

By Australian Esports League Events, High School Cup, Minecraft, Primary School Cup

The Australian Open, in partnership with the Australian Esports League (AEL), is inviting students from Years 4-12 across Australia to participate in the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge. Using Minecraft: Education Edition, participants will rebuild and reimagine the iconic AO precinct, bringing together their passion for tennis, design, sustainability and STEM.

Over 100 schools have already enrolled for the 2025 competition, which offers a prize pool valued at more than $25,000 including travel to Melbourne for the AO 2026 finals weekend, tickets to the AO finals, custom trophies, and more.

The challenge spans three year-level categories:

Years 4–6: “Future Focus” (fan zone + one court)
Years 7–9: “Connected Futures” (a stadium + three connected facilities)
Years 10–12: “The Ultimate Reimagining” (entire precinct)

Registrations close 31 October 2025, with submissions due 28 November and winners announced 16 December.

For full details and to register, schools and educators can head to the AEL website: https://ael.org.au/aochallenge2025/

Read the full press release here: https://ausopen.com/articles/news/students-invited-reimagine-ao-minecraft-education

Oct 22

Love0

The Australian Esports League’s High School Cup Returns for Term 4!

By Australian Esports League High School Cup, News

The Australian Esports League’s (AEL) High School Cup is back for Term 4 2025, giving schools across Australia one more chance this year to compete in a season packed with excitement, teamwork, and school pride!

After an incredible year of gameplay and competition, Term 4 welcomes both new and returning schools to jump in, form teams, and take on the challenge in Australia’s biggest interschool esports league.

Games on Offer:

Rocket League (3v3) – the fusion of football and rocket-powered cars
Marvel Rivals (5v5) – team-based super-powered chaos
Minecraft: Capture The Flag (5v5) – where teamwork, tactics, and creativity collide
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (1v1) – iconic fighters go head-to-head
Brawlhalla (1v1) – the free-to-play platform brawler with endless depth
Trackmania (Solo Time Trials) – push your reflexes to the limit on custom-built tracks

Key Dates:

Registrations Close: Monday 3 November 2025
Competition Starts: Saturday 8 November 2025
Competition Finals: Saturday 13 December 2025

Matches are held every Saturday online, with schools seeded into balanced divisions to ensure fair and exciting matchups. Over six weeks, teams will rise through the ranks to determine the ultimate division champions for Term 4!

Why Get Involved?

Build school spirit through team competition
Develop digital literacy, communication, and leadership
Experience structured, competitive esports in a safe and inclusive environment
Earn recognition for your school in Australia’s leading interschool league

How to Join:

Schools can register teams via our website. Whether you’re a returning school or brand new to esports, we welcome you to be part of Australia’s leading interschool competition.

👉 Register here: https://ael.org.au/hs

Reach out to the AEL team at schools@ael.org.au for any further assistance.

We look forwad to the last season of competition for 2025 being the best one!

Sep 17

Love0

Brisbane Esports Showcase Ignites Oz Comic-Con with Packed Crowds and Thrilling Victories

By Australian Esports League Events, High School Cup, News, Primary School Cup, University Cup

QUT Respawn dominates the university stage while All Saints Parish, Albany Creek claims victory in a thrilling schools showdown, all within a vibrant AEL Zone that was the talk of the convention.

The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre was buzzing with competitive energy this past weekend as the Australian Esports League (AEL) delivered an unforgettable showcase at Oz Comic-Con. From thrilling grand finals on the main stage to bustling free-play zones, the AEL Zone was a hub of non-stop action, drawing in massive crowds and highlighting the passion of Australia’s grassroots esports community.

The atmosphere was electric all weekend, with all 100 seats in front of the AEL Esports Stage consistently full, and standing spectators crowding around to catch a glimpse of the action.

QUT Respawn Claims Double Championship in University Showcase

Saturday was a story of domination, with QUT Respawn putting on a masterclass performance to secure the championship title in both VALORANT and Rocket League. The cross-town rivalries were fierce, with teams from Griffith University, Southern Cross University, and the University of Queensland all showcasing incredible skill and teamwork.

The final university standings were:

VALORANT Champions:

1st Place: QUT Respawn
2nd Place: Griffith Esports
3rd Place: SCU Esports

Rocket League Champions:

1st Place: QUT Respawn
2nd Place: Griffith Esports
3rd Place: University of Queensland

Congratulations to QUT for an incredible display, and to all our university competitors for putting on a spectacular show.

All Saints Parish, Albany Creek Conquers the Minecraft Arena

On Sunday, the spotlight turned to the next generation of esports talent. In a tense and strategic Minecraft: Capture The Flag final, students representing All Saints Parish, Albany Creek emerged victorious, showcasing brilliant teamwork to overcome the formidable runners-up from Lockyer District High School. The passion and sportsmanship on display were a testament to the bright future of scholastic esports in the region.

Relive the Action: Brisbane 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

A Buzz of Activity Beyond the Stage

The excitement wasn’t confined to the main stage. The entire AEL Zone was a hive of activity, packed with attendees eager to get hands-on.

The HyperX and Officeworks Soundwall proved to be a massive hit, with gamers lining up to experience pro-grade audio on our Xbox stations. The Indomie Australia Switch 2 zone was a popular spot to chill, play, and grab some noodles, while the AGON by AOC play wall drew in crowds with its stunning visuals and smooth gameplay.

A Massive Thank You

This incredible weekend would not have been possible without the passion and dedication of so many people.

A huge thank you to all the players, students, teachers, and university clubs who competed with such skill and heart.

Our sincere gratitude goes to our amazing partners: HyperX, Officeworks, AGON by AOC, and Indomie Australia. Your support allows us to create these amazing, interactive experiences for the community.

Thank you to the entire Oz Comic-Con team for being fantastic hosts and putting on an incredible event.

And finally, to every single attendee who watched a match, played a game, or just stopped by to see what was happening – thank you for bringing the energy and making the Brisbane Esports Showcase a roaring success. We can’t wait to see you at the next one!

Aug 18

Love0

AEL Powers Up for Animaga 2025 with Free Gaming and Epic Prizes!

By Australian Esports League Events, News

Get your controllers ready! The Australian Esports League (AEL) is thrilled to announce we are heading to Animaga 2025 for a massive weekend of gaming action, competitions, and fun!

Join us on August 23rd and 24th at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) for one of Australia’s biggest celebrations of anime and gaming culture. You can find us all weekend at booth J37, conveniently located right near the main stage.

Get your tickets to Animaga here: https://animaga.com.au/

FREE PLAY GAMING ZONES

Whether you’re looking to challenge your friends or just relax with some of the latest titles, our free play zones have you covered. We’re bringing a huge setup for all attendees to enjoy, featuring:

Nintendo Zone: Get hands-on with the next generation of gaming! We’ll have 8 x Nintendo Switch 2 consoles ready for you to experience.
Xbox Zone: Jump into the action with 4 x Xbox consoles, loaded with fan-favourite games.

INDOMIE F1 25 FASTEST LAP CHALLENGE

Think you have what it takes to be a champion? Thanks to our awesome partners at Indomie, we’re giving you the chance to prove your skills on the track! We’ll be running a fastest lap competition on the new F1 25 all weekend long.

Push your driving to the limit and set a blistering time to be in the running for some incredible prizes from HyperX.

Saturday’s Fastest Driver: Will walk away with a brand new HyperX Pulsefire SagaPro Wireless Mouse!
Sunday’s Fastest Driver: Will score an amazing HyperX Cloud III Wireless Headset!

The track is calling, so start practicing!

Come and find the AEL team at booth J37 near the main stage. The doors open at 10:00 AM on both Saturday and Sunday. We can’t wait to see you there for an unforgettable weekend of gaming!

Event Details:

What: AEL at Animaga 2025
When: Saturday, August 23 – Sunday, August 24, 2025 (from 10:00 AM daily)
Where: Booth J37, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Aug 08

Love0

Rainbow Six Siege X Returns to the AEL University League Thanks to Ubisoft

By Australian Esports League Events, News, University Cup

The Australian Esports League (AEL) is thrilled to announce the arrival of Rainbow Six Siege X to its 2025 University League season, made possible thanks to the generous support of Ubisoft. This season will see the tactical action unfold across both the Open League and the highly competitive Elite Series, with matches kicking off this Friday night and running online every Friday through to 26th September.

The Elite Series will showcase eight of Australia’s top university clubs, battling it out for glory in Rainbow Six Siege X, while countless more students across the country will represent their institutions in the Open League. Season 2 of the 2025 University League features a combined prize pool of $25,000 thanks to our valued sponsors AGON by AOC, HyperX, and Indomie Australia. Prizes include high-performance gear and cash, the competition promises high stakes and unforgettable moments.

“The AEL University League has a long history with Australian Rainbow Six Siege esports, and we are delighted to be back for 2025. It’s a fantastic grassroots competition, with many of our current and past Rainbow Six Siege professional players having participated in this program previously,” said Rhyan Zeschke, Esports, Brands & Transversal Manager for Ubisoft Australia. “We can’t wait for the action to get underway and have the winner crowned at PAX Aus this October!”

“All Elite Series matches will be streamed live on twitch.tv/auesportsleague,” said Darren Kwan, Director of the AEL. “We encourage the entire esports community to tune in, support their universities, and enjoy the action alongside our fantastic casters.”

The excitement will culminate at PAX Australia on Saturday, October 11th, where the top four clubs from the Elite Series will clash live at the show to crown the 2025 national university champion. Finalists will compete on HP Omen gaming PCs, with the tournament powered by HyperX peripherals and AGON by AOC esports-grade monitors, delivering a top-tier competitive experience.

This addition of Rainbow Six Siege X further cements AEL’s commitment to growing collegiate esports in Australia and providing meaningful competitive pathways for university students. With the backing of major partners like Indomie Australia, AGON by AOC, and now Ubisoft, the AEL University League continues to elevate the standard of student esports nationwide.

We welcome University of Queensland Inter-Collegiate Esports, Melbourne University Esports Macquarie University Gaming Society, University of Newcastle Esports Club, Charles Sturt University Esports, Deakin University Esports, UNSW Esports and UTS Esports!

We thank Ubisoft for supporting our mission and for bringing one of the world’s most iconic tactical shooters into the university spotlight.

For more updates, highlights, and fixtures, follow the Australian Esports League across social media and visit www.ael.org.au.

Let’s play. Let’s compete. Let’s build the future of Australian esports — together.

Aug 07

Love0

VALORANT Joins the AEL University league – Elite Series Launches This Week!

By Australian Esports League Events, News, University Cup

The Australian Esports League (AEL) is proud to announce the addition of VALORANT to its University League for Season 2. The fast-paced tactical shooter will feature across both the Open League and the Elite Series, with matches kicking off this Thursday night and running weekly until 25th September.

In the Elite Series, eight of Australia’s top university esports clubs will go head-to-head in an intense online season, with matches streamed live each Thursday on twitch.tv/auesportsleague. Fans can tune in and catch all the action as the best university sharpshooters showcase their skills – guided by our expert casters and production crew.

The stakes are high, with students competing for a share of Season 2 AEL University league $25,000 combined prize pool, thanks to our valued sponsors AGON by AOC, HyperX, and Indomie Australia. Prizes include high-performance gear and cash to reward the top performers across the league.

The competition culminates with the top two clubs from the Elite Series earning the chance to represent their universities live at PAX Australia, this Sunday 12th October. The national final promises to be a spectacle, with players battling it out on cutting-edge HP Omen PCs, using HyperX peripherals and AGON by AOC monitors in front of a live crowd.

This marks a major milestone for the AEL University League as we continue to grow competitive pathways for Australian students in partnership with global leaders in gaming. The inclusion of VALORANT reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive, and aspirational esports experiences for university students nationwide.

“University esports in Australia continues to reach new heights, and we’re thrilled to welcome VALORANT to the AEL. We endeavour to always work with game publishers to support the grassroots ecosystem and expand the experience on offer to our community,” said Darren Kwan, Director of the Australian Esports League, “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to represent their clubs, sharpen their skills, and compete on a national stage.”

We welcome RMIT University Esports & Games, Melbourne University Esports, Macquarie University Gaming Society, Monash University Electronic Games Association, Swinburne University Esports, Deakin University Esports, UNSW Esports and UTS Esports.

We are excited to be supporting this initiative and bringing VALORANT into the AEL ecosystem. Together with our sponsors and university partners, we are building something truly special.

Stay connected, cheer on your university, and don’t miss the weekly matches as the road to PAX heats up!

For more updates, highlights, and fixtures, follow the Australian Esports League across social media and visit www.ael.org.au.

Let’s play. Let’s compete. Let’s build the future of Australian esports — together.

Jul 23

Love0

Term 3 High School Esports Starts Soon – Register Now and Qualify for Nationals at PAX!

By Australian Esports League High School Cup, News

The Australian Esports League’s High School Cup is back for Term 3 – and this time, it’s your last chance to qualify for the 2025 AEL Nationals!

We’re calling on schools across the country to gear up, squad up, and battle it out in a thrilling season of competition. Term 3 features some of the most exciting titles in student esports – and top teams will earn their shot at representing their school on the national stage.

Matches are held every Saturday with students competing over the internet to face off against their peers from across the country. Students are seeded into divisions for balanced play with the competition taking place over six weeks with an ultimate winner in each division decided on the final week of play.