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.
Central Leagues Club plays host to the 2023 Newcastle Esports Cup with a $1,000 prize pool across Super Smash Bro's Ultimate, Rocket League and Mario Kart 8! Plus High Schools…
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 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!
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!
In just a few short years, Esports has exploded onto the scene and taken the world by storm. From a niche hobby to a booming billion-dollar industry, Esports has captured the hearts and minds of millions of players worldwide. With top titles like League of Legends, Fortnite, Dota 2, and CS:GO, the Esports community is constantly growing and thriving. Professional players from all corners of the globe now number in the tens of thousands, and the debate over which country consistently produces the best competitive gamers continues to rage on. Let’s take a look at the top 5 countries set to dominate Esports in 2023.
1. South Korea: South Korea is a true trailblazer in the world of Esports. Regarded as the birthplace of the Esports phenomenon, this nation has consistently produced some of the best competitive gaming stars the world has ever seen. From the legendary Starcraft, to the all-time classic League of Legends, and the popular battle royale game PUBG, Korea produces Esports legends on a routine basis.
One of the biggest names in Esports, “Faker” is a South Korean gaming star who has won over $1.2 million in prize money. Other notable South Korean stars like “Bang” and “Wolf” have made their mark in the gaming world, both competing in League of Legends and earning nearly a million dollars in prize money. The Korean players have also dominated the Starcraft 2 scene, with stars like Rogue and Maru earning more than a million dollars each. The success of these players is a big reason for the popularity of games like League of Legends and has earned Korean players a significant amount of prize money. The country has been broadcasting Esports on public television for nearly 20 years and has government-supported academies for professional gamers to ensure its continued success in the industry. South Korea stands firmly atop the Esports standings, committed to maintaining its position as a leader in the world of Esports.
Credit: LoL Esport Photos
2. China: The Chinese government’s formal recognition of esports in 2019 has set the stage for the country to become a major player in the industry. Predictions indicated that China would soon become the second-largest esports market after the US, and with its commitment to developing the next generation of competitive gaming talent, the country is well on its way to reaching that goal. China has established a dedicated esports town in Hangzhou and other cities like Shanghai, Wuhan, and Guangzhou have followed suit, setting up their own esports support programs.
With the world’s largest gaming industry by number of gamers, China is poised for further growth in the esports space. Nearly 600 million people in the country play games on phone, PC, or console, and the country has a diverse esports ecosystem with players competing in both global and locally developed games. Dota 2 player “Somnus” has almost reached prize winnings of $3 million, while League of Legends superstar “Uzi” has earned over $545,000 in prize money. While some of the wealthiest LoL players are still predominantly South Korean, Chinese players “JackeyLove” and “Ning” have made a name for themselves, ranking among the top ten players with the highest earnings. The future is bright for the Chinese esports industry, and the country is poised to continue its upward trajectory.
Credit: VCG
3. Denmark: Denmark is known for its thriving esports scene and has been attracting fans from all over the world. The country is home to some of the most talented esports players and has produced unmatched talent in the industry. Danish players are renowned for their victories across various esports, including CS:GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2.
One of the most notable Danish esports teams is Astralis, a CS:GO team that has won consecutive majors, including the Berlin Major 2019. Danish League of Legends players like Bjergsen, Broxax, Caps, and Wunder are legends in the scene and Dota 2 players like N0tail, Cr1t, and MiSeRy are some of the highest earning and most recognizable in the industry.
The Danish government started supporting the esports scene in 2019 and has been making efforts to further nurture the industry. The country is committed to growing its esports scene and producing future legends, as it recognizes the potential of esports in the country. With a thriving esports community and a history of producing successful and well-known esports stars, Denmark is poised to continue making waves in the industry.
Credit: Igor Bezborodov | Starladder
4. USA: The United States of America has a strong and thriving Esports scene that attracts players and fans from all around the world. With prominent figures like multi-millionaire celebrity Fortnite gamer “Ninja” and League of Legends player “Sneaky,” the USA has proven to be a hotbed for top-tier Esports talent.
US gamers like UNIVERSE, ppd, and Fear have made a huge impact in the Dota 2 community, rising up the highest earnings list and cementing their place as some of the best players in the world. The country also holds multiple significant Esports titles to date, including Bugha’s record-breaking win in the Fortnite World Cup Solo in 2019. Despite not always having the best environment for Esports development, players from the USA often venture to Europe for bootcamps to face stronger rivals, further solidifying their commitment to excellence in the Esports scene. With a diverse and supportive community, the future of Esports in the USA looks bright, with many top performers and promising players emerging every day.
Credit: Robert Reiners
5. Sweden: Sweden’s influence in the European esports scene cannot be underestimated. As the host of the DreamHack esports tournament in Jönköping, the country has been at the forefront of the industry since the 90s. Sweden’s commitment to nurturing its esports talent is evident in the numerous players who have made their presence felt across the globe.
Dota 2 talents like s4 and ZAi, as well as CS:GO players like Olofmeister, f0rest, and KRiMZ, are testament to Sweden’s strength in esports. The country is not limited to just a few games, as demonstrated by the stunning performances of “Armada” in Super Smash Bros and the skills of “Toxjqs” in Quake 4. It’s easy to see why Sweden is quickly emerging as an esports superpower.
Sweden has a thriving esports scene, with players renowned for their skills and achievements. The DreamHack tournament has produced some of the most memorable esports moments and is a testament to Sweden’s commitment to the industry. With a rich history of nurturing talent, the future of esports in Sweden looks bright and the country will continue to play a leading role in the European esports scene.
Esports has exploded in popularity over the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down. With millions of fans tuning in to watch top players compete in the world’s biggest video games, it’s no surprise that the industry is flourishing. With the massive popularity of Esports, it’s difficult to cover all the games worth exploring. However, we’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of the most popular Esports games that are worth checking out!
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)– CS:GO is a well-established game in the Esports community, boasting a massive following of over 20 million players worldwide. The game pits two teams of five players against each other as terrorists and anti-terrorists. The teams are given two distinct objectives to complete in two different game scenarios: Bomb defusing and Hostage Rescue. In Bomb defusing, the terrorist team aims to plant a bomb while the anti-terrorists work to prevent it. On the other hand, in Hostage Rescue, the counter-terrorist team must rescue hostages and bring them to safety. With its fast-paced, tactical gameplay, CS:GO has become a leading first-person shooter Esports game, capturing the attention of fans globally.
Credit: thatshelf
Dota 2 – Dota 2 is an Esports game that has maintained its popularity over the years. Created by Valve Corporation in 2013 Dota 2 boasts a large player base of over 7.7 million players globally. The game consists of two teams of 5 players each, Radiant and Dire, battling to destroy the enemy Ancient with players choosing their preferred Hero from a roster of over 100 characters. The International, the biggest Dota 2 tournament also hosts the largest single tournament prize pool of any Esports event, reaching 40 million US dollars. The tournament takes place annually and has been hosted in various cities around the world, such as Cologne and Stockholm, since 2011. Its intricate gameplay and strategic depth attract top-notch players and make Dota 2 a highly competitive and entertaining esports game.
Credit: talkesport
League of Legends (LOL) – This game is a staple of the esports scene and has been at the top of the competitive ladder for years. LOL is a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) developed by American video game developer Riot Games in 2009 boasting a monthly player base of over 117 million. In LOL, two teams of five players each control unique Champions, taking on roles such as Toplane, Midlane (Carry), ADC (Attack Damage Carry), Support, and Jungler. The team must work together to gain the advantage over their opponents by destroying objectives and ultimately infiltrating the enemy base to destroy their nexus. The League of Legends World Championship is the premier professional tournament in the League of Legends scene, organized annually by Riot Games. It boasts a substantial prize pool of 2.23 million US dollars and drawing top talent from around the world.
Credit: pinnacle
Fortnite – Fortnite, the popular third-person shooter esports game developed by Epic Games in 2017, has managed to maintain its original hype even after several years of its release. With three modes to choose from, Save the World, Battle Royale, and Creative, players can explore different aspects of the game. The player-versus-player Battle Royale mode hosts up to 100 players, with the objective of the game being to be the last survivor. Fortnite’s unique focus on resource gathering and building structures for tactical advantage is what makes it stand out from other Battle Royale games and it is widely considered as the battle royale game to beat. The major competition in Fortnite known as the World Cup, is sponsored by Epic Games offering a prize pool of 100 million dollars and has been held annually since 2019, attracting players from all over the world to showcase their skills.
Credit: The Guardian
Overwatch 2 – Overwatch, a game that debuted in 2016 from Blizzard Entertainment, has left a lasting impact in the gaming industry. In 2022, Overwatch 2 was introduced and with the intention of unifying players and creating a seamless transition to the new game, the original was discontinued. Players are divided into two teams with each player choosing a hero from a roster of 35 characters. The heroes are categorized into damage, support, and tank classes, each with their own set of active, passive, and ultimate abilities. The objective of the game is to engage in player versus player (PvP) combat across a variety of modes and maps, with both casual and ranked matches available. Overwatch 2, much like its predecessor, offers a unique and thrilling experience for players, combining elements of first-person shooter and MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena). The Overwatch League is an international Esports league presented by Blizzard Entertainment offering a prize pool of 4.20 million US Dollars and featuring some of the best Overwatch players in the world.
The push to include Esports in the Olympics and the Victorian government’s promotion of Melbourne as the home of Australian Esports highlight just how popular and recognized the industry is becoming. With this growing recognition, schools and colleges are now exploring the potential of Esports for education and starting to include Esports teams in their sports offerings.
One of the biggest benefits of Esports compared to physical sports is its inclusiveness and accessibility, allowing a wider demographic of students to participate in school sports. This opens up opportunities for students who may not have been able to participate in traditional sports and helps to create a more diverse and inclusive school community.
Not only is Esports inclusive, but it is also viewed as having the potential to develop important 21st century skills such as strategic thinking, collaboration, communication, and peer mentorship. This can help students to develop important life skills that will benefit them well beyond their school years.
The integration of Esports into education may also increase participation in STEM subjects and help to integrate STEM education with workforce sectors. This can help to create a more well-rounded education for students and give them a head start in the workforce.
The growing popularity and recognition of Esports as an industry is exciting for the future of education. Schools and colleges have an opportunity to explore the potential of Esports and start to include it as a sports offering. The inclusiveness and accessibility compared to traditional physical sports is a positive, allowing a wider demographic to participate in school sports. Not only that, but it’s seen as a tool to develop important 21st-century skills such as strategic thinking, collaboration, communication, and peer mentorship.
The following schools in Melbourne are already competing in the AEL High School Cup since 2022 and we welcome more to join in 2023!
St Brigid’s College
St. Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centre
Indie School Mildura
Preshil The Margaret Lyttle Memorial School
Gleneagles Secondary College
De La Salle College
John Paul College
Geelong Lutheran College
Padua College
St Josephs College Geelong
St Margaret’s and Berwick Grammar School
Marist-Sion College
Parkdale Secondary College
Portland Secondary College
Gladstone Park Secondary College
Lalor North Secondary College
Ouyen P-12 College
Melbourne High School
While there are challenges to be aware of, such as the potential impact of digital divides on students’ ability to participate and the inclusive culture of online gaming, the potential benefits cannot be ignored. It’s important to consider equity and well-being issues, but with the right approach, the integration of Esports into education can be done in a way that leverages its full potential for students. The role of academic researchers in developing a balanced perspective on the use of Esports in education is crucial to ensure its success. Let’s embrace this exciting new world of Esports in education and watch as our students develop their skills and thrive in this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry!
Are you a gaming enthusiast looking for your next fix? Look no further! The AEL is excited to announce our upcoming Esports events for the year. We have a lineup of exciting and engaging events that will cater to gamers of all skill levels and interests. From esports tournaments to conventions, we have something for everyone. So mark your calendars and get ready for a year of non-stop gaming action. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just looking for some fun, our events are sure to be a hit. So, come and join us!
To kick off the year the AEL University Cup will be opening up registrations February 1st with tournaments beginning March 16th. The tournament will feature Rocket League and CS:GO in the division 1 league with Rainbow Six Siege, Dota 2 and others TBD in the open series which is played monthly. The AEL Uni Cup will run for several weeks with matches taking place on designated days and times TBD. Season 2 of the AEL Uni Cup will begin taking registrations in July with tournaments beginning in August featuring the same games as Season 1 with more TBD.
Next up we have 2 new and exciting additions, The Acer High School Summer Series powered by Predator and The Acer High School Spring Series powered by Predator! These tournaments will feature some of the most popular gaming titles such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Overwatch 2 and Rocket League with an extra game to be announced soon. The Acer High School Cup powered by Predator will take place in between the Summer and Spring series, starting in Term 2 with registrations closing May 2nd. Qualifying teams will continue the competition in Term 3 with tournaments beginning in August. Registrations for the Summer Series close February 20th with tournaments beginning February 27th while registrations for the Spring Series close September 15th with tournaments beginning October 16th.
In addition, the AEL will be heading to Goulburn Comic Con 18 – 19th March, where we will be hosting a free play gaming zone and the Goulburn Cup with tournaments TBD. This will be followed by the Logan Cup 25 – 26th March which will also feature a free play gaming zone with tournaments TBD.
Finally, the AEL will be heading to Oz Comic Con:
Perth 1st – 2nd April
Adelaide 3rd – 4th June
Melbourne 10th – 11th June
Canberra 5th – 6th August
Brisbane 16th – 17th September
Sydney 23rd – 24th September
The AEL area will feature a free play area and tournament zone with tournaments TBD. As part of the convention, we will also have booths where attendees can check out the latest gaming gear and merchandise, as well as meet our team members and learn more about our company.
We can’t wait for our upcoming events and can’t wait for you to join us. Whether you’re a competitive gamer looking to test your skills or just looking for some fun, we have something for everyone. We want to thank you in advance for your support and look forward to seeing you. Remember to follow us on social media for updates and information. Let’s make this year a memorable one for the community!
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