Border Christian College Wins First Acer Predator League Academy Tournament at SXSW

Border Christian College has emerged as the first-ever winner of the Acer Predator League Academy (APLA) tournament. The school claimed victory in a live Esports showcase held at Sydney’s South by Southwest (SXSW) event on October 19, defeating Hoppers Crossing Secondary School in the final.

A Structured Path for Young Esports Talent

The Acer Predator League Academy was created to offer students across Australia and New Zealand a structured platform to participate in esports. Competitive PC gaming, especially Fortnite, has been gaining traction in schools, and APLA provides a way for young talent to develop their skills in a social and organised format. This tournament is the only Fortnite competition specifically designed for high schools in both countries.

In its inaugural year, 56 teams from 31 schools across Australia and New Zealand competed over two school terms. Each team consisted of four students, who participated in weekly competitions against other schools, playing Fortnite. The competition was structured around three specially designed maps that tested players’ communication, strategy, and teamwork. Teachers served as team coordinators, adding an educational element to the experience.

David Whitehouse, father of Tom Whitehouse, captain of the Border Christian College team, expressed his support for the initiative. “I think Acer’s Predator League Academy is fantastic. Gaming involves lots of skills, motor skills and good reaction times. In games like Fortnite, you have those elements of teamwork that make it great for kids,” he said.

Grand Final Showdown at SXSW

The grand final at SXSW highlighted the talent and dedication of the top two teams. Popular gaming personalities Lachlan and Loserfruit were on-site to present the winner’s trophy, adding excitement to the event.

Lachlan, one of the world’s top Fortnite streamers, praised the tournament. “I think the Acer Predator League Academy is really awesome. If I had this during school, I definitely would have gotten on board. It would have been amazing to have that exposure early on, seeing the gaming industry like this and meeting people and other players,” Lachlan said.

A Partnership to Grow Esports

The tournament was delivered by Predator Gaming in partnership with video gaming marketing and tech company Livewire. Livewire Co-Founder Brad Manuel reflected on the success of the inaugural year.

“The excitement from the students and the audience at the Acer Predator League Academy ANZ Grand Final at SXSW was contagious. It was awesome to see all the students playing together for the ANZ Championship, providing a platform to celebrate esports and the skills of the next generation of Fortnite players on PC,” Manuel said. “Acer Predator League Academy is designed to give all students the chance to play with their classmates and friends for fun and competition, similar to all school sports, and the inaugural year has been a success.”

The tournament aims to create a school sports-like environment for esports, where students can enjoy gaming with their friends in a competitive but supportive space. With the success of its first year, the Acer Predator League Academy is expected to continue providing opportunities for students to explore esports in a structured and accessible way.

For more information on the Acer Predator League Academy, interested schools and students can find additional details through the official APLA website.

Last Updated on 18 June 2026 by Nick Ross