Skip to main content
Category

News

From Free Play to Competition: A Recap of the 2023 Goulburn Esports Cup

By Events, News

The Goulburn Mulwaree Council, in partnership with the Australian Esports League (AEL), hosted the 2023 Goulburn Esports Cup at Goulburn Comic Con. The event took place at Ross Whittaker Stadium from March 18th to 19th, 2023.

The event provided an excellent platform for attendees to participate in esports, furthermore it provided newcomers the opportunity to understand the strategy and teamwork involved in competitive gaming, and to witness the incredible skill and talent of the players around their community.

One attendee shared their thoughts on the event, saying, “I’m so delighted that Goulburn has been able to host an event like this, normally I play video games alone, never entered a competition so it’s really cool to be able to play with other avid players.

Overall, the 2023 Goulburn Esports Cup was a fantastic event and we thank the Goulburn Mulwaree Council for the commitment and creating opportunities for people to connect and engage with esports.

WINNERS

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Kinaji
  • Mouseface Killah
  • Jay

Mario Kart

  • sirstichalot
  • toasted_panini
  • Dr Context

Rocket League

  • Void
  • Ratt14
  • Kwerkles
  • MightyShibe

The AEL is proudly supported by

Newcastle Esports Cup Unites Community Through Passion For Gaming

By Events, News

The Newcastle Esports Cup, presented by the AEL and the Central Leagues Club, held on March 11-12th in Charlestown, NSW featured a $1000 prize pool that was spread across Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, 2v2 Rocket League, and Mario Kart 8. The event also catered towards High School students who competed and received medals for their outstanding performance.

The Newcastle Esports Cup brought together over 120+ participants from the region who participated in tournaments and free play. It was a pleasure to witness kids playing alongside their parents and it was even more exciting seeing kids make new friends as they played together bonding over common interests in esports and shared experiences. With laughter and chatter filling the air It was clear that everyone was having a great time. The joy and laughter were infectious, and it was heart-warming for us to see the power of esports in action.

WINNERS

Rocket League Highschool:

  • Callen and Zo from Hunter Sports High School
  • Content Light 799 and Bezza from Toronto High School

Highschool Super Smash Bros. Ultimate:

  • Windo, Casper, Callan and Zo from Hunter Sports High School

Rocket League Open:

  • Rayyan ‘Ray14’, Yasir ‘ Void’, Jaxon ‘Abticzz’ and Samuel ‘Zex’

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Open:

  • Isaac ‘Froggo’, Faithe ‘Sumi’ and Kurt ‘Spike’

Mario Kart Open:

  • Faithe ‘Sumi’, Magnus ‘Techlord’ and Kurt ‘Spike’

The AEL believe that events like these play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and belonging. They provide an opportunity for the community to spend quality time together, while also encouraging socialisation and the formation of new friendships.

AEL Event Coordinator Scott Benco said, “We were truly delighted to see how an event like this brought together people of all ages and skill levels, showcasing their passion for esports and video games in the spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie.”

We would like to extend our gratitude to ACER Predator for providing high-performance laptops and AOC for supplying high-quality monitors, which contributed greatly to the success of the event. Central Leagues Club also deserves recognition for providing an excellent venue, with plenty of space for players and spectators to enjoy.

Lastly, we would also like to take a moment to thank the Newcastle community who came together to make the event a memorable one. Your enthusiasm and support helped create a positive and welcoming atmosphere at the event and we appreciate your involvement and contribution to the gaming community.

The AEL is proudly supported by

The 2023 Acer High School Summer Series welcomes 212 students!

By Events, High School Cup

The Acer High School Summer Series powered by Predator is about to begin and it’s going to be an electrifying event! This Saturday, 11th March, get ready to witness an incredible display of talent as 212 students across 39 teams and 22 schools kick off their first matches!

Please join us in welcoming the following schools to The 2023 Acer High School Summer series!

Overwatch 2:

  • Albany Creek State High School
  • Emmanuel Catholic College
  • Heathfield High School
  • Mentone Grammar
  • St Edmund’s College
  • Whitebridge High School
  • Ripley Valley State Secondary College
  • Southern Cross Catholic College
  • St Francis de Sales College
  • Trinity Beenleigh College

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate:

  • Albany Creek State High School
  • CathWest Innovation College
  • Emmanuel Catholic College
  • Good Shepherd Lutheran College
  • John Paul College
  • Mentone Grammar
  • Murray Bridge High School
  • Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
  • St Edmund’s College
  • St Francis de Sales College
  • ST Joseph’s College Geelong
  • Yarra Valley Grammar

Rocket League:

  • Albany Creek State High School
  • Bishop Druitt College
  • Emmanuel Catholic College
  • John Paul College
  • Mentone Grammar
  • Murray Bridge High School
  • Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
  • Ripley Valley State Secondary College
  • Southern Cross Catholic College
  • St Francis de Sales College
  • St Peter Claver College
  • Trinity Anglican College
  • Trinity Beenleigh College
  • Tyndale Christian School Strathalbyn
  • Yarra Valley Grammar

Students of all ages and skill levels will showcase their gaming skills in this online tournament over a period of 4 weeks. Competing in Overwatch 2 (5 v 5), Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (1 v 1) or Rocket league (3 v 3) students will battle to be crowned the Champions while representing their schools.

Whether you’re a student yourself or simply a fan of esports, mark your calendars and get ready for an incredible event. The Acer High School Summer Series powered by Predator is the ultimate gaming tournament for high school students, and we can’t wait to see who will emerge victorious! So, get ready to witness an exciting display of talent and cheer on your favorite teams as they battle it out for the championship title!

The AEL is proudly supported by

Join the Hype: Australia’s biggest CS:GO Uni League

By News, University Cup

Are you ready to take your university’s CS:GO team to the next level? Look no further than the Australian Esports League’s (AEL) university league!

The AEL runs the biggest university league for CS:GO in Australia, with an elite series and open cup that have attracted over 3,000 participants from 28 different universities. That’s right, 3,000+ students just like you have joined the ranks of this top-tier esports competition.

And if you’re wondering if CS:GO is still as popular as it used to be, the answer is a resounding YES! Just two weeks ago, CS:GO broke its previous player record of 1,308,963, which was set three years ago. And on February 19, 2023, the game surged again, reaching a new record of 1,324,800 concurrent players. That’s a lot of players!

But don’t worry, you won’t be lost in the crowd of CS:GO players. The AEL University Cup is the place to be if you want to stand out as a top competitor in the country. And with Steam’s most popular title by your side, you’ll be ready to take on the competition.

What’s more, CS:GO is Steam’s most popular title, with almost double the concurrent player count of Dota 2, more than three times that of Hogwarts Legacy, and more than five times that of Apex Legends. That’s a lot of players who are dedicated to the game, and with the AEL University Cup, you’ll be joining a community of like-minded individuals who are just as passionate about esports as you are.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your team, sign up for the AEL University Cup, and let’s show the world what your university’s CS:GO team is made of! With the biggest university league for CS:GO in Australia and a game that’s more popular than ever, there’s never been a better time to get in on the action. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the game, the AEL has a spot for you. Don’t miss out on the chance to compete at the highest level and showcase your skills to the nation.

The AEL is proudly supported by

The AEL teams up with Game On CancerⓇ 

By News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Cure Cancer 

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

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

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

What to expect: AEL events are back

By Events, News

Since 2018, the AEL has been working hard to host events that bring the gaming community together, showcase the best talent, and provide opportunities for gamers to connect with each other. With our events about to commence we wanted to share with you what you can expect! Whether it’s featuring at major conventions or hosting our own pop-up events, there’s never been a better time to get involved and experience the excitement for yourself.

At our events, the focus is on participation and bringing the community together. Whether you’re a seasoned esports pro or a newcomer looking to get involved, there’s a place for you! You’ll be able to showcase your talents, play against other gamers, and meet like-minded people who share your passion for gaming. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with others and make new friends.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an esports event without competition! Our events offer plenty of opportunities for gamers to test their skills and compete against each other. But it’s not all about competition. We welcome gamers to join in the fun, whether you’re there to compete or just have a good time. There’s no pressure to be the best, and everyone is encouraged to participate at their own pace.

Perhaps most importantly, our events are a safe and inclusive space for all. All AEL events are an inclusive and LGBTQIA+ safe space, which means that everyone is welcome and respected, regardless of their background or identity. Inclusivity is an essential part of the AEL ethos, and it’s something that our team takes seriously. The AEL team is warm, welcoming, and always happy to chat with gamers who attend and answer any questions you may have. From the moment you arrive, we want to make sure you’ll feel like you’re part of something special.

In summary, if you’re a gaming enthusiast looking for a chance to bond with others who share your passion, our events are for you. With friendly and welcoming staff, a focus on participation and inclusivity, and plenty of opportunities to showcase your skills, what are you waiting for!? Come and see what all the fuss is about, and experience the excitement for yourself. We look forward to seeing you soon!

The AEL is proudly supported by

Join the Excitement: Sign up for The Acer High School Summer Series!

By High School Cup, News

The Acer High School Cup powered by Predator has taken the nation by storm since its inception in 2019, featuring over 50 high schools, 1500 student players and an average of 200 players per season. With popular games such as SSBU, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Minecraft featuring over the years, students can indulge in their love for video games and esports while honing their cognitive skills, team building, communication, and sportsmanship.

With tournaments conducted during each term of the school year on Saturdays and selected matches broadcast online, The Acer High School Cup offers students the perfect platform to pursue their passion and familiarize themselves with the latest technology and software.

This national program is designed to provide high schools across Australia with a well-structured and competitive environment for students to showcase their gaming skills and passion. The program promotes participation and student development with trophies, medals, and merit certificates up for grabs.

2023 kicks off with the Summer Series with registrations due 27th February! Taking place over 4 weeks, students can expect an exciting competition, showcase their talent and play with like minded peers.

Esports promotes number of benefits for students including cognitive development, participation, team building and more! We are thrilled and excited to welcome a new cohort of students to the 2023 High School esports program, we can’t wait to see everyone in competition showing off their skills and joining our community of like-minded gamers.

Darren Kwan, Director Australian Esports League

The Summer Series will feature competitions for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (1 v 1), Rocket League (3 v 3) and Overwatch 2 (5 v 5) available to students of all skill levels and ages.

Schools compete nationally online each Saturday with select matches streamed by the AEL commentary team to showcase student talent in the competition.

Key things to know:

  • Registrations are due 27th February;
  • Competition is open to all with the AEL promoting inclusivity;
  • Takes place online over 4 weeks with matches each Saturday;
  • AEL are partnered with the eSafety Commissioner promoting a safe environment for all;
  • There are more games coming for next series!

And the best part? There’s no limit to how many teams and students can participate from each school! So, gather your classmates and register your high school today! Let’s get ready to compete and make some memories that will last a lifetime.

Teachers and parents are welcome to reach out to the AEL team with any questions. We look forward to welcoming all schools to the program.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of The Acer High School Cup. Sign up now and be a part of the ultimate high school esports experience!

The AEL is proudly supported by

Get Ready for an Exciting Season of Esports with the AEL University Cup!

By News, University Cup

Are you a university student with a passion for esports and gaming culture? Then get ready to put your skills to the test, because the AEL University Cup is back for its 2023 season, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

Since its inception in 2017, the AEL University Cup has been providing students from all over Australia with a structured and well-governed tournament to showcase their gaming abilities. With a total of over 3000 participants from 28 different universities over the years, the AEL University Cup has established itself as one of the leading esports tournaments in the country.

Over 200 matches have taken place in the past, featuring games like Rocket League, CS:GO, Rainbow Six Siege, Dota 2, World of Tanks, Tekken 7, SSBU, and many more. The matches take place once a week, with selected games broadcasted online, providing students with the opportunity to reach a wider audience and showcase their skills.

The AEL University Cup offers a prize pool of over $3500, spread across two seasons, making it not only a competition for aspiring players but also for those who are interested in the production, casting, observing, and competing aspects of the tournament. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, there’s something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Registrations for Season 1 2023 are now open, and they close on March 20th. The first matches will take place on March 27th, so gather your team and get ready to game on!

The AEL University Cup is the perfect opportunity for university students to come together and share their love of esports and show off their skills. Don’t miss out on this exciting event and sign up today!

ael.org.au/uni/

The AEL is proudly supported by