UNSW Sydney will host an international esports competition this weekend, using competitive gaming as a platform to develop real-world skills including teamwork, strategy, problem-solving and innovation.
The Academic Esports World Tournament (AEWT) brings together students from eight universities across Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, combining high-level esports with academic challenges designed to mirror the skills students need in modern workplaces.
This free, public event officially opens on Sunday, 11 January, with more than 75 students competing across a week of gameplay, debates, business pitches, research workshops and creative design challenges on the UNSW Kensington campus.
The eight participating universities include UNSW Sydney, University of Agder (Norway), MCI Innsbruck (Austria), Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands), Yonsei University (South Korea), University of Mississippi (USA), University of Texas at Austin (USA) and the University of Hawaii Maui College (USA).
The competition features esports titles including League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League and Teamfight Tactics, alongside academic debates, business pitches and research workshops. A collaborative “game jam” will also challenge students to design and innovate under pressure, highlighting the links between esports, employability, teamwork and creativity.
UNSW Esports Team Leader and President Callum Brown, 21, was part of the winning team that competed in the AEWT in Hawaii last year. He said the team has been training intensely for months.
“We’re pumped to be competing for UNSW on the international stage and defending our title,” he said. “Esports is a huge global industry, and our team - bringing together skills in game design, science and finance - is ready to take on the world.”
UNSW Dean of Arts, Design & Architecture Professor Claire Annesley said she was thrilled to host this international competition. “The Academic Esports World Tournament shows how esports can connect students across borders and disciplines. It’s a powerful platform for global collaboration, learning and inclusion,” she said.
🎮 The event is free and open to the public, with spectators welcome to attend in person or online.
🎤 Media are invited to attend on Sunday 11 January, when tournament play begins and all teams will be on campus. Interviews, vision and photography opportunities will be available.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY – SUNDAY 11 JANUARY
What: Academic Esports World Tournament – Opening competition day
When: Sunday 11 January 2026, from 9:00am
Where: UNSW Sydney, Kensington campus (Gaming Arena – Squarehouse Building)
Who: International university esports teams from eight countries
Visuals: Competitive gameplay, international teams, gaming arena, student competitors
Interviews available:
- Callum Brown, UNSW Esports Team Leader and President, and final year Commerce Student
- Professor Claire Annesley, Dean, UNSW Arts Design & Architecture
- David Cami, Faculty Executive Director, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture
- Students from around the world who are taking part in the competition
Contact details:
Julia Holman, UNSW, 0435 124 673 or julia.holman@unsw.edu.au
