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The Australian Esports League (AEL) is thrilled to announce the inaugural Latrobe Esports Cup, supported by Visit Latrobe City. Set to take place on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 of August 2024, at Traralgon Town Hall in the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, this event is not just a competition; it’s a groundbreaking initiative in the world of esports, focusing on mentorship and skill development among high school students.

“We at the Australian Esports League are immensely proud to introduce the first-ever Latrobe Esports Cup. This event marks a significant step forward by emphasizing not just competition, but education and mentorship in esports. Our vision is to create an inclusive community in Latrobe for gamers and fans of esports to share their expertise with those at the start of their gaming journey. This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of esports talent, fostering a sense of community, and promoting values like teamwork, inclusivity, and strategic thinking. We believe that by bringing together players of all skill levels, we can unlock the full potential of esports as a platform for learning, growth, and enjoyment.” – Darren Kwan, Director, Australian Esports League

The AEL is proudly sponsored by AGON by AOC, the gaming monitor partner, and Indomie Australia, the noodle partner.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday 9 and Saturday 10 August 2024
  • Location: Traralgon Town Hall, Latrobe Performing Arts Centre
  • Registration and Details: www.ael.org.au/latrobe2024

Bridging the Gap Between Novice and Expert Gamers

The 2024 Latrobe Esports Cup is more than just a tournament; it’s a platform for learning and growth. Experienced gamers will have the opportunity to mentor their less experienced peers, sharing strategies, techniques, and insights into competitive gaming. This mentorship aspect is designed to bridge the gap between novice and expert players, fostering an environment where all participants can enhance their skills and knowledge of esports.

Inclusive Gaming Experience for All Skill Levels

The event features a Schools competition on Friday and open tournaments on Saturday. The open tournament is inclusive for all skill levels and available to ages 13+ featuring a diverse lineup of games including Street Fighter 6, Halo: Infinite 2 v 2, FC24 and community events for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8. With a $1,000+ prize pool and competitions catering to various skill levels, the event promises an inclusive and dynamic gaming experience for all participants.

School Esports Day

A key highlight of the Latrobe Esports Cup, School Esports Day promises an engaging and educational experience for young gamers. This day is dedicated to fostering talent and enthusiasm in the esports realm, featuring exciting events like the Minecraft Build Challenge and the Just Dance competition. These activities are designed not only for entertainment but also for honing strategic thinking and creative skills. In a unique initiative to boost gaming proficiency, the Australian Esports League will also run Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament where students can hone their skills. This is a golden opportunity for students to learn together, enhancing their gameplay, understanding of competitive strategies, and overall esports acumen.

The AEL will also host a careers talk for students who are interested in the gaming and esports industry. The School Esports Day is set to be a cornerstone of the event, emphasizing skill development, mentorship, and the joy of gaming whilst bringing students together through esports.

Supported by Visit Latrobe City

Proudly supported by Visit Latrobe City, the event aims to spur the growth of esports in the region by promoting participation across all skill levels. This initiative aligns with  Latrobe City Council’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and supporting educational endeavours through innovative platforms like esports.

Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe expressed excitement for the new partnership with the Australian Esports League and believes hosting this event for the first time will result in rewarding benefits for the Latrobe City region.

“This partnership highlights Council’s commitment to bring a diverse range of sporting and educational events to our region that will enhance social connection in the community and boost the economy through increased visitation.”

“Our Visit Latrobe City brand welcomes visitors to Latrobe City and showcases all that the region has to offer, while supporting food and entertainment venues to street-trade during the quieter, winter period, making the timing of this event ideal for local businesses.”

“The Esports Cup brings a fresh and unique spin on our usual events and showcases that we have the facilities to cater for a wide variety of competitions. It opens the door to new opportunities that will support our economic transformation and continue to grow our city’s innovation culture. I hope the event encourages people to try something new and be inspired by the endless possibilities in recreational activity and technology as we adapt to emerging trends,” said the Mayor.

Contact Information:

Reach out to the Australian Esports League via [email protected] or regarding the schools day [email protected]

About Latrobe City

Latrobe City is a vibrant community located in the heart of Gippsland, Victoria. Home to over 73,000 residents, Latrobe City is known for its rich cultural diversity, strong community spirit, and thriving economy. The city offers a blend of urban and rural living, with scenic landscapes, modern amenities, and a range of recreational activities. Latrobe City is committed to supporting innovation and education, making it an ideal location for hosting the inaugural Latrobe Esports Cup.

About Australian Esports League

Established in 2013, the Australian Esports League (AEL) is a brand owned and operated by Critical Hit Entertainment Pty Ltd, a media and entertainment company focused on video game and esports events in Australia. The AEL is one of Australia’s leading esports promoters covering multiple facets of the esports ecosystem, including Universities, High Schools, Local Clubs, and councils, plus a range of large-scale esports events. The Australian Esports League has brought the best of the industry together with over 30 years of combined experience in the Australian esports industry. The AEL mission is to deliver world-class events that contribute to a healthy esports ecosystem, improving the experience for players and key stakeholders.