Students invited to reimagine AO in Minecraft Education

The Australian Open and the Australian Esports League (AEL) are teaming up once again to deliver the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge, an innovative national competition that brings creativity, sustainability, and technology together through Minecraft Education.

This exciting challenge invites students from Years 4 to 12 across Australia to rebuild and reimagine the iconic Australian Open precinct in the immersive world of Minecraft Education.

Participants will combine their passion for tennis, design, and STEM learning as they create imaginative new visions for the home of the Australian Open, showcasing futuristic technology, sustainable design, and inclusive community spaces.

Already, more than 100 schools nationwide have enrolled to take part in the 2025 competition, with schools invited to join and compete against their peers in a showcase of innovation, teamwork, and design excellence.

The challenge encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and digital innovation while celebrating the intersection of sport and education. Students will compete for their share of a prize pool valued at more than $25,000, including money-can’t-buy experiences at AO 2026 such as:

A trip to Melbourne for the Australian Open finals weekend, including travel and accommodation

Tickets to the AO26 Women’s and Men’s Finals

Custom-made trophies from Hench & Scrap Foundry

Plus, additional prizes and exclusive opportunities

“This challenge gives students the opportunity to explore the future of sport and sustainability through creativity and technology. We’ve seen incredible imagination from schools in previous years, and we can’t wait to see how students reimagine the AO precinct for the future” said Darren Kwan, Director of the Australian Esports League.

Challenge Themes by Year Level

Years 4–6: Future Focus

Students will design the AO FutureScape District, a bold and sustainable fan zone alongside one AO tennis court or stadium. The focus is on futuristic technology, renewable energy, inclusivity, and the ultimate fan experience.

Years 7–9: Connected Futures

Students will take on a broader redesign of a key stadium (Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, or John Cain Arena) and three connected facilities such as transport hubs, dining precincts, or player areas — showing how innovation and sustainability connect the entire precinct.

Years 10–12: The Ultimate Reimagining

Senior students will reimagine the entire AO precinct on a grand scale. From major stadiums to renewable energy systems and community spaces, this category challenges teams to create a globally inspired vision of the future of sports and entertainment precincts.

Competition Timeline

Registrations Close: 31 October 2025

Submissions Due: 28 November 2025

Marking Complete: 15 December 2025

Winners Announced: 16 December 2025

Schools and educators can find full challenge details and register at https://ael.org.au/aochallenge2025.

About the Challenge

The AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge is a national education initiative presented by the Australian Open in collaboration with the Australian Esports League.

The program integrates learning outcomes across STEM, design, and digital literacy while giving students the opportunity to explore sustainable development, teamwork, and innovation in a fun, competitive environment.

This event is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Microsoft Corporation or Mojang AB.

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