Top young gamers battle for national glory at Curro Aurora LAN
Hundreds of learners from across South Africa gathered at Curro Aurora for the national e-sports LAN, showcasing teamwork, skill, and a growing passion for competitive gaming.
More than 550 learners from Curro schools across the country came together this week for the national e-sports LAN (local area network), hosted at Curro Aurora in Randburg.
The four-day event brought together the best young gamers to compete face to face in some of the world’s most popular titles.
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Games featured during the tournament included Minecraft, Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, Brawlhalla, Rocket League, and Valorant.
The event gave learners, who usually train and compete online, a chance to meet their opponents in person and experience the excitement of live competition.
Project manager for Curro e-sports Magdeline de Kock said this is about more than just gaming.
“We want to give that child who is always online a chance to come to an in-person event, see other teams, feel the excitement, and shake their opponents’ hands.”
For a LAN competition, players bring their own devices and connect on a shared network built specially for the event.
Curro Aurora provided the space and support needed to host hundreds of competitors.
“We build the venue from scratch – tables, power cables, network lines, and everything needed. We depend on schools like Curro Aurora to host.”
Top teams from across the country, including Durbanville, Paul Roos, Waterfall, and Wes Mertz, took part, after qualifying through regional and online leagues.
The finals, on October 11, will be broadcast live on Twitch and YouTube, with professional shout casters commentating on the matches.
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While e-sports is growing fast globally, De Kock said there is still work to be done locally.
“We are still struggling a bit with convincing parents that this is a real sport.”
Winners will receive trophies, pins, and prizes, sponsored by Acer for Education and Nitro, but for many, the biggest reward is learning valuable teamwork, communication, and strategic skills.
“We want to include as many learners as possible,” De Kock concluded, “and help grow the sport in South Africa.”
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