Event

Nov 02

Fans Flocked to the AEL Zone at Oz Comic-Con Sydney

By AEL DEV Events, News, Schools, University Cup

UNSW Esports and UON Esports Club reigned supreme on the university stage at Oz Comic-Con Sydney while Gymea Technology High School claimed victory in the schools showdown.

The Australian Esports League (AEL) lit up Oz Comic-Con Sydney at the Sydney Showground on 20–21 September 2025, delivering another unforgettable weekend of esports action, creativity, and community connection.

We re-cap all the excitement and energy from those two incredible days, from packed crowds to nail-biting finals, the AEL Zone once again proved to be one of the most vibrant attractions on the show floor showcasing the best of Australia’s grassroots esports scene.

Re-watch the live stream on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a2KePyO8Aw

University Esports Showcase – A Weekend of Rivalry and Respect

Saturday saw fierce competition between university clubs from across New South Wales in VALORANT and Rocket League, with students battling for pride, trophies, and bragging rights.

The final university standings were:

VALORANT Champions:

1st Place: UNSW Esports
2nd Place: UTS Esports
3rd Place: USYD Society of Gamers

Rocket League Champions:

1st Place: UON Esports Club
2nd Place: UNSW Esports
3rd Place: MQU Gaming

Thank you to all our university competitors for putting on a spectacular show.

Young Talent Shines in Minecraft CTF Schools Showcase

Sunday turned the spotlight onto the next generation of esports stars, as schools took to the Minecraft: Capture the Flag arena for a series of thrilling matches. The strategies were sharp, the builds were clever, and the excitement was contagious.

Minecraft CTF Schools Champions

1st Place: Gymea Technology High School
2nd Place: Caringbah High School
3rd Place: Oxley Park Public School

Relive the Action: Sydney Esports Showcase Photo Album

The energy, the passion, the victories! Find yourself in the crowd and check out all the highlights from the weekend below, the full photo album is available at www.facebook.com/auesportsleague

An Interactive Zone Full of Energy

Away from the main stage, the AEL Zone buzzed with activity all weekend. The HyperX and Officeworks Soundwall let players experience pro-level gear, the Indomie Australia zone offered a relaxed space for casual gaming and noodles, and the AGON by AOC play wall stunned attendees with its crystal-clear displays and silky-smooth gameplay.

Every corner of the space was alive with laughter, competition, and discovery proving once again why the AEL Zone remains a highlight of every Oz Comic-Con stop.

A Heartfelt Thank You

A massive thank you to all the players, students, teachers, and university clubs who made the Sydney showcase a success. Your skill and enthusiasm continue to drive the growth of esports in Australia.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to our partners HyperX, Officeworks, AGON by AOC, and Indomie Australia for their ongoing support and for helping us deliver these amazing interactive experiences.

A special thank you to AMD and HP Omen for providing the high-end gaming PC’s powering the esports stage and enusring our student competitors enjoyed the highest in gaming quality.

And of course, a huge thank you to the Oz Comic-Con team for hosting another fantastic event.

Sep 17

Love0

Brisbane Esports Showcase Ignites Oz Comic-Con with Packed Crowds and Thrilling Victories

By AEL DEV Events, News, Schools, University Cup

QUT Respawn dominates the university stage while All Saints Parish, Albany Creek claims victory in a thrilling schools showdown, all within a vibrant AEL Zone that was the talk of the convention.

The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre was buzzing with competitive energy this past weekend as the Australian Esports League (AEL) delivered an unforgettable showcase at Oz Comic-Con. From thrilling grand finals on the main stage to bustling free-play zones, the AEL Zone was a hub of non-stop action, drawing in massive crowds and highlighting the passion of Australia’s grassroots esports community.

The atmosphere was electric all weekend, with all 100 seats in front of the AEL Esports Stage consistently full, and standing spectators crowding around to catch a glimpse of the action.

QUT Respawn Claims Double Championship in University Showcase

Saturday was a story of domination, with QUT Respawn putting on a masterclass performance to secure the championship title in both VALORANT and Rocket League. The cross-town rivalries were fierce, with teams from Griffith University, Southern Cross University, and the University of Queensland all showcasing incredible skill and teamwork.

The final university standings were:

VALORANT Champions:

1st Place: QUT Respawn
2nd Place: Griffith Esports
3rd Place: SCU Esports

Rocket League Champions:

1st Place: QUT Respawn
2nd Place: Griffith Esports
3rd Place: University of Queensland

Congratulations to QUT for an incredible display, and to all our university competitors for putting on a spectacular show.

All Saints Parish, Albany Creek Conquers the Minecraft Arena

On Sunday, the spotlight turned to the next generation of esports talent. In a tense and strategic Minecraft: Capture The Flag final, students representing All Saints Parish, Albany Creek emerged victorious, showcasing brilliant teamwork to overcome the formidable runners-up from Lockyer District High School. The passion and sportsmanship on display were a testament to the bright future of scholastic esports in the region.

Relive the Action: Brisbane Esports Showcase Photo Album

The energy, the passion, the victories! Find yourself in the crowd and check out all the highlights from the weekend below, the full photo album is available at www.facebook.com/auesportsleague

A Buzz of Activity Beyond the Stage

The excitement wasn’t confined to the main stage. The entire AEL Zone was a hive of activity, packed with attendees eager to get hands-on.

The HyperX and Officeworks Soundwall proved to be a massive hit, with gamers lining up to experience pro-grade audio on our Xbox stations. The Indomie Australia Switch 2 zone was a popular spot to chill, play, and grab some noodles, while the AGON by AOC play wall drew in crowds with its stunning visuals and smooth gameplay.

A Massive Thank You

This incredible weekend would not have been possible without the passion and dedication of so many people.

A huge thank you to all the players, students, teachers, and university clubs who competed with such skill and heart.

Our sincere gratitude goes to our amazing partners: HyperX, Officeworks, AGON by AOC, and Indomie Australia. Your support allows us to create these amazing, interactive experiences for the community.

Thank you to the entire Oz Comic-Con team for being fantastic hosts and putting on an incredible event.

And finally, to every single attendee who watched a match, played a game, or just stopped by to see what was happening – thank you for bringing the energy and making the Brisbane Esports Showcase a roaring success. We can’t wait to see you at the next one!

Feb 10

Love0

2025 AEL Major Events Calendar

By AEL DEV Events, News

Building Grassroots Esports—The AEL Way

From free-play gaming zones at local conventions to national university championships on the main stage, the AEL continues to champion inclusivity and opportunity. Whether you’re a pro player testing your mettle or a casual gamer looking for some fun, there’s a place for you in the AEL’s growing ecosystem. By collaborating with leading pop culture conventions and providing pathways for budding esports talent, the AEL ensures that everyone no matter their skill level can experience the excitement of competitive gaming.

Below is a quick look at the events where the AEL will be front and centre. Expect free-play zones, high-profile tournaments, exciting showcases, and plenty of chances to jump in and play your favourite titles. Full details and any updates will be posted at www.ael.org.au, so keep an eye on the official website and follow the AEL on social media – @auesportsleague on all platforms.

Oz Comic-Con Perth (April 5–6)

AEL Activity: Free play gaming, tournament zone and school showcases.
Explore Perth’s pop culture scene and drop by our gaming zone for casual play and mini-tournaments.

Oz Comic-Con Adelaide (May 31–June 1)

AEL Feature: Free play gaming, tournament zone and school showcases.
Immerse yourself in the world of esports with fun, accessible tournaments for all ages and free play gaming.

Oz Comic-Con Melbourne (June 7–8)

AEL Feature: Free play gaming & esports stage, tournament zone, university showcases and school showcases.
Experience live esports showcases featuring top Victorian universities and invited schools alongside free-play sessions. Don’t miss the scheduled open and showcase matches!

Science Alive (August 1–3)

AEL Feature: Free play gaming & esports stage, tournament zone and school showcases.
Expected Highlights:
- Schools Minecraft: Capture the Flag Showcase
- Schools Just Dance Competition
- Schools Rocket League Showcase
Exact schedule to be confirmed—stay tuned.

Oz Comic-Con Canberra (August 9–10)

AEL Feature: Free play gaming, tournament zone and school showcases.
Try out the latest titles and connect with fellow gamers in a casual, fun environment.

Oz Comic-Con Brisbane (September 13–14)

AEL Feature: Free play gaming & esports stage, tournament zone, university showcases and school showcases.
Catch live matches, jump into open tournaments, and cheer on your favourite teams from top Queensland universities and invited schools.

Oz Comic-Con Sydney (September 20–21)

AEL Feature: Free play gaming & esports stage, tournament zone, university showcases and school showcases.
From energetic open competitions to top-level show matches from top universities from around NSW and invited schools, this event is a must-see.

PAX Australia (October 10–12)

AEL Feature: Free play gaming zone, AEL School nationals and AEL University nationals.
University Nationals: Rocket League and Counter-Strike 2
High School Nationals: Rocket League, EA Sports FC25, Minecraft: Capture the Flag, and more TBC
Come watch some of Australia’s brightest esports talent battle it out for the national crown.

Supanova Adelaide Level Up (October 31–November 2)

AEL Feature: Tournament Zone & Stage (details TBC)
Keep an eye out for new tournament announcements and special showcases.

Supanova Brisbane Level Up (November 7–9)

AEL Feature: Tournament Zone & Stage (details TBC)
Another fantastic opportunity to dive into competitive gaming!

Oz Comic-Con XMAS (December 6–7)

AEL Feature: Free play gaming zone.
Wrap up the year with some holiday cheer and a final round of fun gaming sessions.

2025 Oz Comic-Con Schedules

To give you a taste of what to expect, here are the proposed schedules at each Oz Comic-Con event. Be sure to check for any late-breaking updates or changes closer to the date.

Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney

Saturday

10:00am – University Rocket League Showcase
10:00am – EA Sports FC25 Open Event
12:30pm – TopSpin 2K25 Open Event
1:30pm – University Counter-Strike 2 Showcase
2:00pm – Street Fighter 6 Open Event

Sunday

9:30am – Schools Rocket League Showcase
10:00am – Schools NBA 2K Event
10:30am – Street Fighter 6 Open Event
11:30am – Schools EA Sports FC25 Event
12:00pm – Schools Minecraft: Capture the Flag Showcase
2:00pm – NBA 2K Open Event

Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra

Saturday

10:00am – Counter-Strike 2 Wingman 2v2 Event
10:00am – EA Sports FC25 Open Event
12:30pm – TopSpin 2K25 Open Event
2:00pm – Street Fighter 6 Open Event

Sunday

9:30am – Schools Rocket League Showcase
10:00am – Schools NBA 2K Event
10:30am – Street Fighter 6 Open Event
11:30am – Schools EA Sports FC25 Event
2:00pm – NBA 2K Open Event

AEL University Program

Proving that collegiate esports is thriving Down Under, the AEL University Program is open to all Australian university students. It features:

National Opens in:
- Marvel Rivals
- Counter-Strike 2
- Rocket League
Elite Series: The best team from each participating university club competes in a high-stakes, broadcast series.

Key Dates

University Season 1: March 17–May 29
University Season 2: August 11–October 9

If you want to represent your university in front of a national audience, this is your shot. Find out more at www.ael.org.au/uni.

AEL Schools Program

One of the hallmarks of the AEL is nurturing future generations of esports talent. The AEL Schools Program offers four terms of competition across multiple games, including Rocket League, Marvel Rivals, Trackmania, Brawlhalla, and Minecraft: Capture the Flag.

2025 Terms

Term 1: Feb 15–Mar 22
Term 2: May 10–Jun 14
Term 3: Aug 9–Sep 13
Term 4: Oct 25–Nov 29

Whether you’re a teacher, student, or parent, you can learn how your school can get involved at www.ael.org.au/hs.

AEL Minecraft Program

For primary and high school gamers who love to build and battle in Minecraft, the AEL offers two exciting series each year. This year, the program is again partnered with the Australian Open for Series 2, an incredible opportunity to showcase your creativity and competitive spirit on a national stage.

Key Dates

Series 1: Mar 3–May 23
Series 2: Aug 18–Oct 31 (Partnered with the Australian Open)

More information can be found at www.ael.org.au/minecraft.

Get Involved and Stay Connected

Ready to jump into the action? Here are a few ways you can get involved:

Register for Events: Keep an eye out on the AEL website and social media for registration details.
Volunteer: Help run free play zones, referee matches, or assist with event logistics.
Compete: Join an open bracket or represent your school/university for a chance at esports glory!
Cheer On Your Favorites: Even if you’re not competing, show up to support the community, there’s nothing like the energy of a live esports crowd or tune in live at www.twitch.tv/auesportsleague and www.facebook.com/auesportsleague.

Don’t miss out on news and updates; be sure to follow the AEL on social media, and visit www.ael.org.au regularly for the latest details on schedules, registrations, and special announcements.

About the AEL

With a vision to make esports accessible to everyone, the Australian Esports League has been at the forefront of grassroots gaming initiatives, while also scaling up to deliver major tournaments nationwide. By nurturing homegrown talent and cultivating a supportive community, the AEL has cemented its reputation as a leading force in Australia’s esports ecosystem.

Whether you’re a curious newcomer, a seasoned competitor, or a proud esports enthusiast, the AEL’s 2025 schedule has something for you. Mark your calendars, rally your friends, and get set for a thrilling year of gaming.