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Sep 30
Love1

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

Sep 11
Love1

‘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.

Aug 20
Love1

2024 AEL High Schools Cup – Term 3 Division Announcement

By High School Cup, News

Term 3 has officially begun for the 2024 AEL High Schools Cup! This past weekend saw teams in Rocket League and Overwatch 2 compete to decide their divisions. Students will represent their school against their division rivals throughout the next three weeks then go into the finals playoffs to determine the ultimate winner!

whilst players in Trackmania and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate played to determine their first round points and placements. They’ll be competing over the next five weeks to determine the ultimate winners and earn a trophy for their school.

Competition Schedule

Week 2 – 24th August 2024

  • Game day 2 for Rocket League, Overwatch 2, Trackmania and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Week 3 – 31st August 2024

  • Game day 1 for Minecraft: CTF
  • Game day 3 for Rocket League, Overwatch 2, Trackmania and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Week 4 – 7th September 2024

  • Game day 2 for Minecraft: CTF
  • Game day 4 for Rocket League, Overwatch 2, Trackmania and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Week 5 – 14th September 2024

  • Game day 3 for Minecraft: CTF
  • Game day 5 for Rocket League, Overwatch 2, Trackmania and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Week 6 – 21st September 2024

  • Finals week for all games!

Rocket League Division Info

Rocket League – Broadcast Schedule

Catch the action from our Rocket League competitors from 1:00PM AEST every Saturday on www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague

NOTE: All match times in AEST and are approximate, and matches may change. The Playoffs schedule in weeks 5-6 will be announced after Week 4.

Week 2 – 24/08 
1:00 PMDivision 2 Round 1BSDE Sapphires vs TrinityAC Hard Zero
1:45 PMDivision 3 Round 2TSHS Red vs Redeemer Blue
2:30 PMDivision 1 Round 3Helena Rocket Crew vs DenisonRL
   
Week 3 – 31/08 
1:00 PMDivision 1 Round 4Lakers Legends A vs Salisbury East Surges
1:45 PMDivision 3 Round 4SLCC NRG vs Endeavour Rockets
2:30 PMDivision 2 Round 6Hills Grammar Team 1 vs Craigslea SHS
   
Week 4 – 07/09 
1:00 PMDivision 1 Round 6TonersRL vs DenisonRL
1:45 PMDivision 2 Round 8CCPS vs Hills Grammar Team 1
2:30 PMDivision 3 Round 7BDC Blazes vs SPCC Rocket Leaguers

Overwatch 2 Division Info

Overwatch 2 – Broadcast Schedule

Catch the action from our Overwatch 2 competitors from 1:30PM AEST every Saturday on www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague2

NOTE: All match times in AEST and are approximate, and matches may change. The Playoffs schedule in weeks 5-6 will be announced after Week 4.

Week 2 – 24/08 
1:30 PMDivision 2 – Round 1SCSC Overflawed vs Humanitas Hooligans
2:15 PMDivision 1 – Round 2Trinity Titans vs KGSCOW
3:00 PMDivision 1 – Round 3Hillbrook vs Westbourne Fury
   
Week 3 – 31/08 
1:30 PMDivision 2 – Round 3ACSHS T.D.T vs BSDE Centaurs
2:15 PMDivision 2 – Round 4Homestead Overwatch vs FCAC Flames
3:00 PMDivision 1 – Round 5CBC White vs CBC Gold
   
Week 4 – 31/0807/09 
1:30 PMDivision 1 – Round 6BSDE Griffins vs Trinity Titans
2:15 PMDivision 2 – Round 6FCAC Flames vs Redeemer Ravens
3:00 PMDivision 2 – Round 7Tyndale Titans vs Humanitas Hooligans

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Brackets

For Super Smash Bros. Ultimate the students have been placed into two Brackets, students will compete through their brackets until the final champion is selected! The brackets are summarised as follows:

Bracket ABracket B
[KIC] sprite358[ACS] staticagent3
[ACS] duck_fox[MSC] Hmmm_yes
[MSC] collecter.[ACS] CDog9829
[SLCC] JoshieWingo[SLCC] Vbagels
[QLDHE] ob_100[MSC] petpidgeon
[CBC] dinoking00172[MSC] mumrulesohyeah
[SLCC] BowlOfRamen[SLCC] oip4
[HC] gold_dragon4135[HC] beeshes
[KIC] wackiestgoose[CBC] artemis9099
[ACS] Zamazanta101[CBC] _getoutofmyface
[SLCC] Gurlal[CBC] josh_95098
[ACS] hamywamy333[MSC] ceoofbread
[HSSC] Player 1[HC] Player 3
[TSHS] Player 1[CBC] Player 5
[RC] Player 2[RC] Player 1
[RC] Player 3[HC] Player 4

Trackmania Bracket

Trackmania consists of five students who will be racing over the next five weeks to determine the fastest driver of the group. We look forward to seeing who comes out on top!

SchoolPlayer TAG
Elwood CollegeCoraI_Reif
Kenmore State High Schoolcallom.swo
Pacific Pines State High SchoolTheBeeflessCow3
St John Paul II CollegeYento
Trinity College BeenleighSuPAnOoB1
Aug 19
Love1

2024 AEL Latrobe Esports Cup Wrap-Up

By Events, News

The 2024 AEL Latrobe Esports Cup, held on the 10th of August at the Traralgon Town Hall within the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, was a resounding success, bringing together the vibrant esports community of Latrobe City for an action-packed weekend of competitive gaming, camaraderie, and fun. With the support of Visit Latrobe City, this inaugural event marked a significant milestone in promoting esports at the local level, offering high school students and gaming enthusiasts alike an opportunity to showcase their skills across a range of popular titles.

A Weekend of High-Octane Competition

The Latrobe Esports Cup kicked off on Saturday morning with a ceremonious opening by Mayor Cr Darren Howe, who expressed his enthusiasm for the event and the growth of esports within the region. The mayor’s presence underscored the local government’s support for fostering youth engagement through gaming and digital competitions, highlighting esports as a dynamic and inclusive platform for young people to develop important skills such as teamwork, strategy, and leadership.

The event saw over 110 attendees participate either as competitors, spectators, or casual gamers enjoying the free play areas. The energy within the venue was palpable, with each tournament drawing intense interest from both participants and onlookers.

The Tournaments

The 2024 AEL Latrobe Esports Cup featured three major tournaments and two community events, each bringing its own unique flavour of competition and excitement. Players from across the region battled it out in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Street Fighter 6, Halo: Infinite 2v2, Mario Kart 8, and FC 24, showcasing their prowess and determination to claim victory.

Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 brought the classic fighting game genre to life, with players executing precise combos and strategies in a bid to outmanoeuvre their opponents. The tournament was a true test of skill and reflexes, with every match being a spectacle of high-level gameplay.

1st Place – Mardy Brum (pictured centre)
2nd Place – Big Dan (pictured right)
3rd Place – SebPro101 (pictured left)

Halo: Infinite 2v2
Halo: Infinite’s 2v2 tournament provided an intense and tactical competition, where teamwork and communication were key to securing victory. The dynamic duo format led to some incredible displays of coordination and clutch plays, making it a highlight of the weekend.

1st Place – Team Bin Chicken comprising of Wesley and Christian (pictured left)
2nd Place – Team MrKill comprising of Daniel and Kaan (pictured right)

FC 24
In the FC 24 tournament, participants showcased their footballing skills on the virtual pitch, demonstrating strategic playmaking and precise controls. The matches were closely contested, reflecting the passion and dedication of the players involved.

1st Place – Jack (pictured left)
2nd Place – Harlan (pictured right)

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament was one of the most anticipated events of the weekend. With fast-paced action and a diverse roster of characters, competitors went head-to-head in thrilling matchups that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

1st Place – SebPro101 (pictured left)
2nd Place – Blook (pictured right)

Mario Kart 8
The Mario Kart 8 tournament offered a fun yet fiercely competitive atmosphere, with players racing through iconic tracks while dodging shells and bananas. The blend of skill and luck made for some nail-biting finishes that had the crowd cheering wildly.

1st Place – Ethan (pictured centre)
2nd Place – Stax01 (pictured right)
3rd Place – Kaybee (pictured left)

A Community United by Gaming

Beyond the competitions, the Latrobe Esports Cup served as a celebration of the gaming community within Latrobe City. Attendees, ranging from seasoned gamers to curious newcomers, had the chance to connect, share experiences, and enjoy the social aspects of gaming. The free play areas were a hit, offering a variety of games for everyone to try out, from retro classics to the latest releases.

The event also emphasized the importance of mentorship and skill development, with high school students particularly encouraged to participate and learn from more experienced players. The inclusive nature of the event allowed for a diverse group of participants, fostering a welcoming environment for all.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Esports in Latrobe

The success of the 2024 AEL Latrobe Esports Cup has set the stage for future events, with plans already in motion to make this an annual gathering for the Latrobe esports community. The overwhelming positive feedback from participants and spectators alike highlights the growing interest in esports within the region, and the potential for Latrobe City to become a hub for competitive gaming in the years to come.

As we look forward to the next Latrobe Esports Cup, the AEL remains committed to providing more opportunities for gamers to engage, compete, and thrive in a supportive and exciting environment. The 2024 event has proven that esports can bring people together, bridging gaps and creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

Acknowledgments

The AEL would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all the participants, volunteers, and sponsors who made the 2024 Latrobe Esports Cup possible. Special thanks go to Mayor Cr Darren Howe for his support and to Visit Latrobe City for their invaluable partnership. We would also like to recognize the efforts of the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre staff, who ensured the event ran smoothly and safely.

Lastly, a big congratulations to all the winners of the tournaments! Your dedication and skill were on full display, and we are excited to see how you continue to grow as esports competitors. [Insert list of winners and photos]

See You Next Year!

The 2024 AEL Latrobe Esports Cup has set a new benchmark for community-driven esports events in Latrobe City. We can’t wait to return next year with even more exciting tournaments, activities, and opportunities for gamers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the AEL Latrobe Esports Cup is the place to be. Stay tuned for more information on next year’s event, and in the meantime, keep practicing and stay connected with the AEL community!

For more details, photos, and updates, visit www.ael.org.au/latrobe2024.

Aug 19
Love2

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.

Aug 17
Love1

Welcome to Term 3 of the 2024 AEL High Schools Cup!

By High School Cup, News

We’re excited to announce the start of Term 3 for the 2024 AEL High Schools Cup, marking the third thrilling installment to this years national esports competition. Throughout the year students have been showing their talent, skills and passion for gaming. Term 3 is shaping up to be the most exciting season this year!

Celebrating a growing community

This term we will see 35 schools and 242 students participating across multiple games, ready to display their sportspersonship and talent. The first week of competition will see teams and students in each game begin competition:

  • 21 Schools boosting and scoring in Rocket League – Schools are gearing up for a high-octane showdown, where precision meets speed on the virtual pitch. Get ready for an exhilarating mix of soccer and rocket-powered cars!
  • 13 Schools strategizing and conquering in Overwatch 2 –Teams are diving into the dynamic world of Overwatch 2, where teamwork and tactical play are the keys to mastering intense battles across iconic arenas.
  • 7 Schools racing to dominate in Trackmania – With every twist and turn, schools are taking on the adrenaline-pumping courses of Trackmania, pushing the limits of speed and precision in this high-speed racing challenge.
  • 11 Schools smashing their way to victory in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Fighters from across the gaming universe collide as schools engage in epic brawls, each aiming to outmaneuver and outplay their opponents to emerge as the ultimate champion.
  • 3 Schools building and battling in Minecraft: Capture the Flag – Creativity meets competition as schools construct, strategize, and fight to capture the flag in the blocky, limitless world of Minecraft.

Each game offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and individual prowess, ensuring a dynamic and exciting competition for both participants and spectators.

Participant Schools

We are proud to have a fantastic lineup of schools participating in this term’s AEL High Schools Cup. Each school brings its own spirit, energy, and competitive edge to the tournament.

  • Albany Creek State High School
  • Bishop Druitt College
  • Brisbane School of Distance Education
  • Burpengary State Secondary College
  • Caloundra City Private School
  • Christian Brothers College
  • Craigslea State High School
  • Denison Collage of Secondary Education Bathurst High Campus
  • Elwood College
  • Endeavour College
  • Fraser Coast Anglican College
  • Helena College
  • Hillbrook
  • Hills Grammar School
  • Homestead Senior Secondary College
  • Humanitas High School
  • Kardinia International College
  • Kelvin Grove State College
  • Kenmore State High School
  • Mentone Grammar School
  • Mornington Secondary College
  • Pacific Pines State High School
  • Redeemer Lutheran College
  • Rivermount College
  • Salisbury East High School
  • Scotch College Adelaide
  • St John Paul II College
  • St Lukes Catholic College
  • Surf Coast Secondary College
  • The Lakes College
  • Toowoomba State High School
  • Trinity Anglican College Albury
  • Trinity College Beenleigh
  • Tyndale Christian School Strathalbyn
  • Westbourne Grammar School

We’d also like to welcome the return of all our Home School students!

Showcasing School Spirit

An integral part of the AEL High Schools Cup is the incredible spirit and camaraderie displayed by the participating teams. We encourage all schools to support their teams by showcasing their school pride and spirit throughout the competition. We will be streaming Overwatch 2 and Rocket League competitions.

Looking Ahead

As we dive into Term 3, we’re excited to see fresh rivalries form, new strategies unfold, and the incredible talent that our high school esports teams will showcase. The AEL High Schools Cup continues to be more than just a competition; it’s a testament to the passion, teamwork, and camaraderie that thrive in our vibrant esports community.

Match days will be each Saturday – you can tune in on www.facebook.com/auesportsleague or www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague

To all the teams competing this term, we wish you the best of luck. May this season be filled with unforgettable moments and rewarding experiences. Let’s make Term 3 of the AEL High Schools Cup truly exceptional. The games are about to begin!

Stay Connected

Don’t miss a beat—follow our official channels for the latest news, match schedules, and results. Join the conversation, share your highlights, and support your favorite teams as they battle for glory in the 2024 AEL High Schools Cup.

Let’s make this term a standout chapter in our esports journey. Here’s to an electrifying Term 3 of competition!

The AEL is proudly supported by AGON by AOC, our Gaming Monitor partner, and Indomie Australia, our Noodle partner!

Aug 12
Love0

Australian Esports League Makes a Spectacular Debut at Science Alive!

By Events, High School Cup, News

The Australian Esports League (AEL) made a dynamic first appearance at Science Alive, bringing
the excitement of school esports tournaments to one of Australia’s premier science and
technology festivals. Held at the Adelaide Showground, Science Alive is known for showcasing
the latest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovations, and this year,
esports took centre stage.

For the first time, students from across South Australia had the opportunity to compete in
thrilling esports competitions hosted by the AEL. Among the highlights was the Minecraft
Capture the Flag tournament, which saw teams from various schools strategizing and battling it
out in the beloved block-building game. The energy was palpable as students demonstrated
their skills in teamwork, creativity, and quick thinking.

After an intense day of matches, one school emerged victorious. Big Congratulations to
Norwood International High School for taking the WIN in the Minecraft Capture The Flag
competition at Science Alive! The students from Norwood International High School
showcased exceptional teamwork and strategy, earning them the top spot in this exciting event.
The AEL’s participation in Science Alive was made possible through the generous support of
Inspiring South Australia, a partner committed to fostering STEM engagement and innovation
among young Australians. Their support allowed us to bring the world of competitive gaming to a
broader audience, highlighting the educational benefits and growing opportunities within
esports.

The AEL is proud to have introduced school esports to Science Alive and looks forward to
continuing to inspire and engage the next generation of gamers and tech enthusiasts. We extend
our gratitude to all participating schools, students, and our supporting partner, Inspiring South
Australia, for making our first appearance at Science Alive a resounding success. Stay tuned for
more exciting esports events as we continue to expand the horizons of competitive gaming in
Australia!

Jul 31
Love0

Australian Esports League Monthly Update – July 2024

By News

2024 has been an exhilarating year for the Australian Esports League (AEL), filled with groundbreaking events, new partnerships, and incredible growth within the esports community.

We’ve witnessed the expansion of our High Schools Cup, the successful launch of the Latrobe Esports Cup, and our collaboration with major events like Science Alive! in Adelaide. The excitement doesn’t stop there; with the inclusion of esports in the upcoming Olympic Games the momentum for esports is only building.

Starting from this month the AEL will highlight what’s come up and results from recent activity.

Upcoming AEL Events

Science Alive! (Adelaide, August 4-6) This weekend, the AEL team will be at Science Alive! in Adelaide. Join us for an exciting experience featuring free play gaming areas, live tournaments, and opportunities to learn about the latest in gaming technology. The AEL will be hosting tournaments for schools attending the Stem Day out on Friday, plus open tournaments for attendees over Saturday and Sunday! Don’t miss out on this interactive and educational event. Event details

Latrobe Esports Cup (Traralgon, August 9-10) Next weekend, we are hosting the inaugural Latrobe Esports Cup, supported by Visit Latrobe City. This event has two components with Friday focusing on mentorship and skill development among high school students and Saturday featuring a $1,000+ prize pool across open competitions in Halo: Infinite, Street Fighter 6, FC 24 and more. Event details

AEL High Schools Cup Term 3 Registrations Registrations for the AEL High Schools Cup Term 3 close on August 9th. This competition offers a platform for high school students to showcase their skills in games like Rocket League, Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Trackmania, and Minecraft CTF. Register here.

2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Competition Series 2 of the AEL Schools Minecraft competition focuses on themes such as Mythic Australia, Designing for Accessibility, and The Global Challenge. Registrations close on August 16th, and the build period runs from August 19th to October 18th.

Competition details here.

AEL University Cup Series 2 Registrations

  • Elite Series: Registrations close on August 11th. This series is designed for highly skilled university teams to compete at the highest level.
  • Open Series: Registrations close on August 18th, offering a competitive platform for all university students.

For more information and to register, visit our University Cup page.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us at these exciting events. Together, let’s continue to grow and celebrate the vibrant esports community!

AEL at OZ Comic-Con Canberra

We’re thrilled to share that the AEL will be attending Oz Comic-Con Canberra this August 24-25. Visitors can look forward to an exciting free-to-play gaming zone, where they can enjoy a wide range of games on offer. In addition to the gaming zone, we’ll be hosting pick-up tournaments throughout the weekend, open to all attendees. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills, meet fellow gamers, and immerse yourself in the vibrant community of Oz Comic-Con. Be sure to stop by and join the fun! .

Notable Esports News

Olympic Esports Games Voted In by IOC In a landmark decision, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has voted to include esports in the Olympic Games. The inaugural Olympic Esports Games will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2025. This move marks a significant milestone for the esports community, blending the traditional Olympic spirit with the dynamic and rapidly growing world of competitive gaming. For more details, you can read our write-up on this exciting development here.

The AEL is proudly supported by its partners:

AGON by AOC the gaming monitor partner

Indomie Australia the noodle partner

Jul 31
Love1

AEL University League Update!

By News, University Cup

As we prepare for Season 2 of the 2024 AEL University competition, let’s take a moment to reflect on the highlights and achievements of Season 1 earlier this year.

This season saw Universities pick-up Counter-Strike 2, alongside the perennial favorite Rocket League. Both games hosted thrilling competitions in Open and Elite divisions, featuring over 50 university teams from across Australia.

The Elite Series is a clubs representative model with participating universities submitting their best squad to compete against one another, whilst the Open broadens competition to all University students of all skill levels across Australia.

Season 1 Highlights

Rocket League – Elite Division

  1. 1st Place: UNSW Sydney (tatagane, Digs, SSteve, kamicaazi)
  2. 2nd Place: Griffith University (Ados, ultraviolet, bcexile, Cheeky)
  3. 3rd Place: Queensland University of Technology (Jackactually, Jackko, Mack, Front, Mr Growths)

Rocket League – Open Division

  1. 1st Place: UQ Union
  2. 2nd Place: UTS Engineers
  3. 3rd Place: USYD Sigma Sydney

Counter-Strike – Elite Division

  1. 1st Place: RMIT University (Roflko, Mayker, lucas222, Lyme, Lev1ne, Kayoh)
  2. 2nd Place: University of Technology Sydney (Rydze, KFC, Flape, COOOOOOFFEE, Pass, combo, JenreZ)
  3. 3rd Place: UNSW Sydney (min, deadest, CC3ptic, G1bbs, huan, Kras, Redav)

Counter-Strike – Open Division

  1. 1st Place: UNSW Howl
  2. 2nd Place: MUE
  3. 3rd Place: MQU Esports

A huge congratulations to all our winners, who not only earned bragging rights but also took home a share of over $7,000 in prizes.

Join Us for Season 2!

Are you ready to take on the challenge and compete in Season 2? Register now and showcase your skills against the best university teams in the country. Visit www.ael.org.au/uni to join the action.

Clubs must complete registration to the Elite Series by the 11th August whilst all Uni students looking to participate in the Open must register by the 18th August.

Don’t miss out on the excitement and the opportunity to be part of Australia’s premier university esports competition. See you in the arena!

Jul 31
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Olympic Esports to Shine in Saudi Arabia in 2025: A New Era for Competitive Gaming and You’re Here For It!

By News

In an unprecedented move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Saudi Arabia will host the first-ever Olympic Esports event in 2025. This groundbreaking event is set to take place in the futuristic city of Neom, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of esports as it gains recognition on the global stage.

The decision to integrate esports into the Olympic framework underscores the tremendous growth and mainstream acceptance of competitive gaming. Once viewed as a niche pastime, esports has rapidly transformed into a billion-dollar industry with a massive global following. The inclusion of esports in the Olympics represents a pivotal moment, symbolising the bridging of traditional sports and digital competitions.

Why Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s selection as the host nation is no coincidence. The country has been making substantial investments in its Vision 2030 plan, aiming to diversify its economy and reduce its dependency on oil. Part of this vision includes becoming a hub for technology and entertainment, with esports playing a central role. The development of Neom, a high-tech city designed to be a global innovation center, perfectly aligns with the futuristic and dynamic nature of esports.

Neom promises to offer a state-of-the-art venue for the Olympic Esports event. With its cutting-edge infrastructure, advanced technology, and ambitious design, Neom is poised to deliver an unparalleled experience for both competitors and spectators. The city’s infrastructure is being built to support high-speed internet, virtual reality (VR) capabilities, and other advanced technologies that will enhance the esports experience.

The Olympic Esports event will feature a diverse array of games, covering various genres such as real-time strategy, first-person shooters, multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA), and sports simulations. This variety ensures that the competition will appeal to a wide audience, showcasing the breadth and depth of talent in the esports community.

The IOC has emphasised that the event will adhere to the highest standards of fair play and sportsmanship, aligning with the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship. Professional gamers from around the world will have the opportunity to compete on an equal footing, demonstrating their skills and strategies in a prestigious, globally recognised platform.

Implications for the Australian Esports Community

For the Australian Esports community, this development opens up exciting opportunities. Australian Esports athletes now have the chance to aspire to Olympic glory, further motivating them to refine their skills and compete at the highest level. The exposure and recognition that come with Olympic participation can also attract more investment and sponsorships for Australian esports organisations.

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