School Gamers Level Up at Record-Breaking Curro Clash 2025
The sounds of keyboards and cheers filled Curro Aurora as more than 500 learners from across South Africa gathered for the 2025 Curro Clash National LAN the largest scholastic Esports tournament ever held under one roof in the country.
The four-day event drew 73 teams from four provinces, turning the Randburg campus into a hive of digital competition and teamwork. Learners battled it out across six popular game titles Minecraft, Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, Brawlhalla, Rocket League, and Valorant showcasing how gaming has evolved from a pastime into a serious sport requiring strategy, discipline, and teamwork.
“Esports has become an unquestionable part of the sporting landscape,” said Cindy van der Merwe, Curro Sport’s Portfolio Manager. “It’s about developing the same mental toughness, teamwork, and strategic insight that all great athletes share. Whether on the field or behind a screen, every learner deserves a chance to discover their potential.”
Curro Holdings’ Esports Project Manager, Magdeleen de Kock, echoed this sentiment, calling the young competitors “a new kind of athlete.”
“These learners train and compete with the same dedication as any traditional sportsperson,” she said. “Their arena may be digital, but the skills they develop communication under pressure, quick decision-making, and systems thinking are exactly what future leaders need.”
This year’s tournament marked several milestones. Over 150 Minecraft matches were played at national level a new record and Grade 3 learners participated in an exhibition match, reflecting Curro’s focus on nurturing Esports from the primary school level.
“Events like this create a vital sense of belonging,” De Kock added. “With clear codes of conduct and adult guidance, learners experience what responsible, professional gaming looks like, while also exploring careers in event management, broadcasting, and IT.”
The competition featured standout performances across divisions. Paul Roos Gymnasium dominated in Minecraft PVP and Overwatch 2 for high schools, while Curro Durbanville claimed victory in Rocket League High School. Curro Krugersdorp took top honours in Valorant, and Curro Midrand Sagewood won the Rocket League Primary School category.
Curro Krugersdorp’s Valorant team, veterans of the Curro Esports programme, continued to impress with their consistency, while younger teams from Meridian Karino, Meridian Cosmo City, and Curro Wilgeheuwel made their mark in their national debut.
The growing momentum around Esports comes as universities in South Africa have formally recognised it alongside traditional sporting codes a move that signals a major step for the country’s competitive gaming community.
“Convincing some parents that this is a real sport is still part of the journey,” De Kock said. “But events like Curro Clash show that Esports demand the same discipline, teamwork, and strategy as any field sport. These are the athletes of a new era defined by focus, skill, and digital fluency.”
As the controllers power down and screens go dark, one thing is clear: Esports in South Africa’s schools are no longer just a hobby they’re a pathway to leadership, collaboration, and opportunity in the digital age.
