For the first time ever, the winners of a Minecraft tournament took centre court on Rod Laver Arena during the final day of the 2025 Australian Open. After making their way down the prestigious Walk of Champions, four outstanding student teams were celebrated for their vision, creativity, and technical prowess in reimagining the future of the Australian Open through Minecraft Education.
These champions dazzled judges with innovative designs that integrated sustainability, community engagement, and cutting-edge technology; all while capturing the essence of Australia’s most iconic tennis tournament.
And the Winners Are …
Years 10–11: Bowen from Denmark Senior High School (WA)
Judges’ Highlights:
- Real-World Insights: Integrated sustainable methods inspired by Bowen’s experience in recyclable materials sorting
- Innovative Energy Solutions: Solar panels on Margaret Court Arena and Rod Laver Arena, solar-powered streetlamps, eco-friendly helium wind turbines
- Future-Forward Transportation: “Floating futures” concept with blimps for low-impact travel
- Authentic Representation: Faithfully captured iconic Australian Open venues at a grand scale
“Bowen’s thoughtful approach to sustainability and technology took this build to the next level,” said one of the judges. “From solar-powered infrastructure to imaginative wind turbines, every detail was carefully crafted to envision a future we can all aspire to.”
Winning Moment: View Bowen proudly holding his trophy, alongside images of his expansive Minecraft build featuring advanced renewable energy systems, floating blimps, and meticulously detailed stadiums.
Years 7–9: Elyse and Madison from Doncaster Secondary College (VIC)
Judges’ Highlights:
- Inclusive Design: Wheelchair-accessible ramps, prayer/sensory rooms, unisex bathrooms
- Sustainability: Recycling bins, solar-powered lights, and carefully planned green spaces
- Community Engagement: Fan zones, practice courts, and wide walkways
- Attention to Detail: Train station and multiple transport options for easy access
“Minecraft Dirt Blocks showcased an outstanding commitment to inclusivity and sustainability through an expansive, beautifully designed stadium complex,” noted the judging panel. “From unisex toilets to wheelchair ramps, the attention to detail truly set this submission apart.”
Winning Moment: Check out the team’s celebratory photo holding their trophy and screenshots of their immersive build, complete with colourful fan zones and meticulously rendered tennis courts.
Years 4–6: Mary-Jane, Eva, and Alexandra from Daisy Hill State School (QLD)
Judges’ Highlights:
- Stadium Representation & Branding: Exceptional build and representation of MCA, carefully planned parking and entry points, alongside striking AO and MCA branding.
- Sustainability & Technology: Fantastic technological advancements in the solar panels and wind turbines, smart use of Minecraft Education’s library resources and thoughtful signage.
- Design & Accessibility: Sleek design and colour scape, with segmented activity spaces that are accessible throughout.
“The polished design, from the cohesive AO branding to the sustainable energy solutions, truly set this build apart,” agreed the judging panel. “Every element—from entry points to interior details—was carefully considered, making this an impressive and inspiring vision of the Australian Open’s future.”
Winning Moment: Mary-Jane, Eva, and Alexandra celebrated with big smiles as they posed with their trophy. Screenshots of their immersive build reveal a modern, eco-friendly arena complex, complete with eye-catching signage, solar-powered features, and carefully planned spaces for fans, players, and visitors alike.
All In: Mia from St Monica’s College (QLD)
Judges’ Highlights:
- Nature-Driven Design: Green roofs, compost bins, and abundant native vegetation
- Immersive Technology: VR courts, holographic features, interactive NPCs, drone integration
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Solar energy usage, tempered glass, water-efficient splash park
- Community & Accessibility: Sensory path, unisex facilities, lifts, and an inclusive layout
“Mia’s fusion of eco-friendly design with futuristic elements like VR and drone technology created a uniquely captivating vision,” commented the judging panel. “Her approach redefines what an ‘open’ could look like for players and fans alike.”
Winning Moment: Don’t miss Mia’s triumphant photo with her trophy and screenshots of her lush, garden-themed tennis complex, complete with a sensory path, multi-purpose courts, and a splash park for families.
A Grand Celebration
On the final day of the 2025 Australian Open, each winning team walked onto Rod Laver Arena, the same court graced by tennis legends, before receiving their medals and trophies from Tennis Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer, Cedric Cornelis, and the Australian Esports League’s CEO, Darren Kwan. This moment marked an unprecedented milestone, as it was the first time that Minecraft champions have ever taken centre stage at the world-renowned venue.
Darren Kwan, CEO of the Australian Esports League:
“Congratulations to all our winners and participants! The ingenuity, sustainability, and inclusivity displayed in this year’s entries are truly remarkable. We’re proud to partner with Tennis Australia to empower students, educators, and emerging digital creators.”Ridley Plummer, Senior Manager Digital Sales & Metaverse, Tennis Australia:
“Seeing the Australian Open reimagined through Minecraft Education has been both inspiring and enlightening. We applaud everyone involved, especially the teachers and parents who supported these students in pushing the boundaries of design, technology, and community engagement.”
Exclusive Prizes and Unforgettable Experiences
In addition to their impressive trophies handcrafted by Hench & Scrap Foundry and commemorative medals, the winners also received an array of once-in-a-lifetime prizes provided by Tennis Australia. These included:
- Tickets to the Women’s & Men’s Finals
- A photoshoot in the Walk of Champions
- Accommodation and flights to Melbourne
- Transportation in an exclusive AO Kia Worldwide Player Car
From the moment they stepped onto the court to the final photo taken in the historic corridors of Melbourne Park, the students were treated to the ultimate Grand Slam experience.
Where to See the Winning Builds
Each winning submission is showcased in a dedicated online gallery. You can explore high-resolution images of the builds, complete with key feature highlights and behind-the-scenes explanations. These snapshots capture the energy and artistry that went into creating the next evolution of the Australian Open.
Visit www.ael.org.au/aochallengeresults to view the full gallery.
Judging Panel
A special thank you to our Judging panel who deliberated over the top submissions in each category to assist in selecting the ultimate national winners.
- Dr. Emma Witkowski, RMIT
- Rhiannen Austin, Confessions of a Gamer Girl
- Ridley Plummer, Tennis Australia
Thank You and Congratulations
We extend our sincerest gratitude to the countless teachers, parents, and support networks who encouraged these young visionaries, as well as our esteemed panel of judges for their invaluable expertise. The future of tennis and sustainable innovation looks brighter than ever thanks to these inspiring designs.
Stay tuned for more updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into what’s next for the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge. We can’t wait to see where these budding architects and dreamers will take us next!
The Future of the Australian Open
The AO Minecraft Challenge invited students nationwide to envision how sustainability, innovation, and community engagement could shape the future of tennis. Each winning submission demonstrated a remarkable balance between ecological responsibility; through features like solar-powered arenas, recyclable materials, and green spaces; and audience inclusivity via interactive fan zones, accessible walkways, and creative use of virtual technology.
As Tennis Australia and the Australian Esports League continue to champion forward-thinking collaborations, these young designers have proven that the next generation holds the key to reshaping how we engage with and experience live sports.
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