UNSW defends global esports title on home ground

UNSW Sydney successfully defends its title at the Academic Esports World Tournament, winning the international competition that brings together elite gaming, creativity and real-world learning.

UNSW Sydney has claimed back-to-back victories at the Academic Esports World Tournament (AEWT), defeating international university teams on home soil after a week of competitive gameplay, collaboration and academic challenges on the Kensington campus.

More than 80 students from eight universities across Europe, Asia, North America and Australia took part in the tournament, which blends high-level esports competition with business pitches, debates, research workshops and creative design challenges that mirror the skills students need in modern workplaces.

Esports, short for electronic sports, is a rapidly growing global industry that combines competitive video gaming with live events. At elite levels, it requires high levels of strategy, teamwork, communication and mental resilience, with professional competitions attracting millions of viewers worldwide and significant corporate investment.

UNSW teams competed in popular esports titles including League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League and Teamfight Tactics, alongside academic challenges designed to test teamwork, strategy, communication and innovation. After coming from behind multiple times across the week, the UNSW Esports Club ultimately retained its title as champions of academic esports.

“The competition pushes you well beyond just playing games,” said Callum Brown, 21, UNSW Esports Team Leader and President. 

“You’re constantly problem-solving, communicating and working across disciplines. Making a comeback required the team to trust each other and maintain a strong mindset, and that’s what helped us come from behind and retain the title.”

A standout feature of the tournament was the AEWT “game jam”, where students from different universities collaborated under intense time pressure to design and prototype an original game.

One highlight came from a team from Eindhoven University of Technology, who consulted with local Elder Uncle Ron, who welcomed participants to Country, to learn more about Aboriginal ways of knowing and being. Inspired by this exchange, the team created a game in which players must bring three natural ecosystems into balance in order to win.

Gaming, creativity and global collaboration

Dean of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture, Professor Claire Annesley, said the event highlighted the power of bringing together creativity, technology and entrepreneurship in a global learning environment.

“When students from South Korea, the United States, Austria, Norway, the Netherlands and Australia spend a week learning and competing together, the opportunities that emerge are huge.”

Prof. Annesley also said the tournament demonstrated why gaming skills are increasingly valued well beyond the screen.

“The students competing in the Academic Esports World Tournament demonstrated immense creativity, grit, empathy, deep collaboration and adaptability, both online and in real life,” Professor Annesley said. “If there was one takeaway from the week, it’s this: hire gamers!” 

From competition to careers

The global esports industry continues to grow rapidly, with major brands investing heavily in competitive gaming and education pathways. The AEWT reflects this shift, positioning esports as a platform for developing future-ready skills including problem-solving, leadership and collaboration.

UNSW’s educational offering in gaming is also expanding. In response to strong student demand and industry interest, in 2026 the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture are adding Game Design and Gaming and Society to their substantial offering in this space.

The tournament was supported by Discord, with Professor Annesley also acknowledging the work of the UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture team in hosting the event, and the vision of Professor Tobias Scholz, founder of the Academic Esports World Tournament.

“By hosting and winning the Academic Esports World Tournament, UNSW is demonstrating what’s possible when gaming, education and innovation come together,” Prof. Annesley said. 

“These experiences give students a powerful foundation for future careers."

Pull-out quote: 

Professor Claire AnnesleyDean, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture