RANDBURG – The 2025 Curro Clash National LAN officially concluded at Curro Aurora, making history as the largest scholastic Esports gathering staged under one roof in South Africa.
The four-day tournament brought together over 500 learners from 73 teams across four provinces, displaying how competitive gaming has matured into a serious sport requiring discipline, strategy and cognitive strength.
The tournament highlighted the best young gamers competing face-to-face across six game titles: Minecraft; Overwatch 2; Apex Legends; Brawlhalla; Rocket League; and Valorant. From the first boot-up to the final “GG” (good game), the event delivered a demonstration of teamwork, strategic thinking and the rapidly maturing Esports landscape in South African schools.
“Esports have become an unquestionable part of the sporting landscape,” said Cindy van der Merwe, portfolio manager for Curro Sport. “It’s not just about the game, it’s about developing the same mental toughness, teamwork and strategic insight that all great athletes share. At Curro, we’re intentional about ensuring every learner, whether on the sports field or behind a screen, discovers their potential through sport.”
Added Magdeleen de Kock, Esports project manager at Curro Holdings: “We are witnessing the emergence of a new kind of athlete. These learners train and compete with the same dedication as any traditional sportsperson. Their arena is digital, but the skills they’re developing – communication under pressure, split-second decision-making, and complex systems thinking – are the competencies that will define leadership in tomorrow’s workplace.”
HISTORIC EVENT
The 2025 event was full of firsts. Over 150 scholastic Minecraft matches were held at this competitive level under one roof – a national record. Even more exciting was the participation of Grade 3 learners in an exhibition match, highlighting Curro’s dedication to growing Esports from the grassroots.
“Beyond the competition, an event of this scale creates a vital sense of belonging,” De Kock said. “Guided by structured codes of conduct and adult oversight, they get to experience first-hand what responsible, professional gaming looks like in practice. At the same time, they explore future opportunities in event management, broadcasting and IT.”
The tournament delivered standout performances from seasoned teams and rising stars alike. Curro Krugersdorp’s Valorant squad, who have been part of the competition since the inception of the Esports programme, competed at an exceptional level.
Curro Durbanville, ranked among the top schools in their region, saw their Grade 6 learners battle through the high school division before falling to Grade 12 players in the final rounds. Newcomers like Meridian Karino, Meridian Cosmo City and Curro Wilgeheuwel also left a strong impression on the national stage.
Paul Roos Gymnasium, one of the country’s top-ranked Esports schools, claimed first place in the Minecraft PVP and Overwatch 2 High School division, while Curro Durbanville excelled in Rocket League High School. Curro Krugersdorp took top honours in Valorant, and Curro Midrand Sagewood secured victory in Rocket League Primary School.
HARD SLOG
The event’s success mirrors the growing recognition of Esports in SA. Earlier this year, Esports received formal acknowledgment alongside traditional university sporting codes, a major milestone for competitive gaming at university level.
“Convincing some parents that this is a real sport remains part of the journey,” De Kock admitted. “But events like this show that Esports demand the same discipline, teamwork and strategic thinking as any field or court. These are the athletes of a new era – defined by focus, skill and passion played out on digital platforms.”
“The question isn’t whether Esports belongs in schools, but whether we’re moving quickly enough to prepare learners for a future where digital fluency and virtual collaboration are essential,” De Kock related. “At Curro, we understand that the future belongs to those who are fluent in both technology and teamwork, and we’re equipping our learners to lead it.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.