Leadership's Letter

Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to organised, competitive video gaming where professional players or teams compete in various multiplayer video games. Globally, esports have become a massive phenomenon. In 2025, the global esports audience is expected to reach over 640 million people, with around 318 million dedicated fans. The Asia-Pacific region leads the way, accounting for more than 57% of all esports viewers. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially announced the creation of the Olympic Esports Games in 2024, marking a significant step in the integration of esports into the Olympic movement. The first Olympic Esports Games are scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027.

In Australia, the esports market is also thriving. Revenue in the Australian esports market is projected to reach $146.7 million in 2025. The country is seeing significant growth in local tournaments and streaming platforms, with an increasing number of young people engaging in esports.

Joining an organised and structured esports team or league is not about playing more video games; in fact, it often leads to a better understanding of balanced gaming. As adults, we understand that our wellbeing is multi-faceted. We know that leading a balanced lifestyle of regular physical activity, along with emotional and social connections with others, is good for our mental, social, emotional and physical wellbeing. This is exactly why we are passionate about helping students develop positive gaming behaviours through this program. It also provides a safe space for students to connect with other like-minded students, and to build connection and relationships that may not otherwise occur in the classroom.

Mazenod College has chosen to partner with an organisation called “The FUSE Cup”. The FUSE Cup is an international school esports competition that is focused on providing young students with an opportunity to participate in safe, inclusive, supportive and structured school-based esports competition while developing positive gaming behaviours and digital wellbeing. We have opted into their Year 7 & 8 and Year 9 & 10 competitions, where Australia is divided up into regions within each state in which schools compete in a face-to-face battle against other neighbouring schools. These events are run each term to determine the regional finalists, who then compete at a State Championship event.

We have seen some great interest from the Mazenod boys to get involved in our club. In 2024, we had teams represent the College in Rocket League, Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros, where we competed strongly, had players in finals, but unfortunately didn’t win any trophies. In 2025, Mr Theodore Hrysomallis, Mazenod ICT/AV Technician, has been leading the teams as our head coach. We have continued to have strong players and teams join, with more than 70 students coming into the lunchtime club at different times for different events. Recently, at the Melbourne South Mario Kart Competition, Mazenod's very own Ted Weston was crowned the Victorian Mario Kart Champion for his age group. We are incredibly proud of Ted, who will now have the honour of representing Victoria and competing for the national title on the Gold Coast at the end of the year!

Throughout this competition day, our team demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, supporting each other, socialising with students from other schools, and learning about online safety and the health benefits of gaming. This embodies the true spirit of esports. Each of our Mazenod esports competition teams has represented our College with the highest standards and should be immensely proud of their achievements, as we continue to find ways to engage with students and support their passions in healthy ways.

Ashley Voigt

Director of ICT