Bundaberg High Schools Esports Tournament: Gaming Meets Future Careers

Esports moved from living rooms to classrooms in Bundaberg as local students gathered for a new inter-school tournament offering benefits far beyond winning games. Led by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) through the ICT Gateway to Industry Schools project (ICT GISP) and delivered in partnership with The FUSE Cup, the event gave students the chance to compete in a structured, school-based Esports environment while building teamwork, confidence, and digital wellbeing.

Made possible through a Bundaberg Regional Council Community Grant and hosted by Bundaberg State High School, the two-day tournament kicked off with an open Mario Kart competition featuring 122 students from across the region. A Kepnock State High School student claimed the racing title. Day two saw 40 girl gamers take to the controls in dedicated tournaments, with Kepnock State High School again producing the winner.

Tournament partner The FUSE Cup incorporated digital wellbeing and online safety sessions developed through collaborations with Kids Helpline and the eSafety Commissioner.

“It is great to see such passion and enthusiasm for Esports in regional Queensland schools. The students’ spirit and teamwork were inspiring, and this tournament is an excellent start for a local Esports network,” said Dan Aivaliotis-Martinez, Chief Operating Officer of The FUSE Cup.

To connect Esports participation with future career pathways, ACS Young Tech Ambassador Shalimay Duke from Best Practice Software spoke to the girl gamers about her journey in the tech sector—highlighting that tech careers, including those for female digital professionals, are highly achievable in Bundaberg.

Jonathan Nalder, Program Manager for the ACS ICT GISP, also shared insights into pathways for becoming a digital professional.

“This event promised to be a first in many ways for the region. Not only did it provide a career-focused opportunity for digitally minded students to represent their schools in the region’s first Esports tournament, but it also brought together teachers in a way that was already bearing fruit for future collaborations even before the tournament had finished.”

Bundaberg State High School teacher David Wallace said he was pleased to see the students demonstrate sportsmanship, encouragement, and support in a welcoming competitive environment.

“The balance of online safety education and fun, inclusive gaming stood out as a positive takeaway. I'm looking forward to the students getting more opportunities like this in the future.”

Special thanks go to Bundaberg Regional Council, host Bundaberg State High School, Bundaberg Christian College, Queensland Computers, Shalimay Duke and Best Practice Software, and tournament delivery partner The FUSE Cup.

The Young Tech Ambassadors and ICT Gateway to Industry Schools programs are proudly funded by the Queensland Government.