Hero image: 2026 AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge art. Image: Australian Esports League, via AEL
Registrations for the Australian Esports League’s Minecraft Education challenge with the Australian Open close on Monday 28 September. The prize pool is valued at more than $25,000, and it includes a trip to finals weekend.
Right, teachers and parents, this one is for you (and for the kid who has been quietly building a replica of the MCG in their spare time).
The 2026 AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge has student teams of three to five redesign parts of the Australian Open in Minecraft Education. There are three divisions. Years 4 to 6 design a sustainable fan-day precinct. Years 7 to 9 connect venues and public spaces with smart tech and inclusive design. Years 10 to 12 reimagine the whole event as the world’s most sustainable Grand Slam.
The prizes are the good bit. Winners get travel and accommodation to the Australian Open finals weekend in Melbourne, VIP on-court presentations, and tech bundles from AGON by AOC and HyperX. Last year’s champions from Abbotsleigh, Hills Grammar and St Stephens Catholic College got to see both singles finals at AO 2026 and do a behind-the-scenes tour.
The AEL says the modules map to the national HASS, Science, Design and Digital Technologies curriculums, and there is an educator handbook with lesson plans and rubrics. So it is not just screen time. It counts.
What: 2026 AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge
Who: School teams of 3 to 5 students, Years 4 to 12
Registrations close: Monday 28 September
Where: ael.org.au/aochallenge2026
Get your school signed up before Monday!
Source: Australian Esports League, Australian Esports League (2025 winners)