Ipswich Esports Cup

Gaming enthusiasts, aspiring esports competitors, students and families can experience a full day of competitive gaming, creativity and community at the Ipswich Esports Cup. Taking place at Ipswich Civic Centre on Saturday 26 September 2026, the event brings together public gaming competitions, high school tournaments, indie game showcases, freeplay zones and opportunities to learn more about careers in the gaming and digital creative industries.

Whether you’re competing in a tournament, supporting a young player, exploring new games or simply interested in Australia’s growing esports scene, the Ipswich Esports Cup offers a broad program designed to welcome both experienced gamers and newcomers.

Event Overview

The Ipswich Esports Cup is a community-focused gaming and esports festival presented by Queensland Esports & Gaming and AUS Esports & Gaming. The event aims to celebrate gaming culture while creating opportunities for players, students, families, developers, creators and members of the wider community to connect.

The program combines competitive esports with casual gaming and educational experiences. Public tournaments feature a range of popular titles, while dedicated high school competitions provide opportunities for students in Years 7–12 to compete across several games.

Beyond the tournaments, visitors can explore indie game demonstrations, racing simulators, freeplay areas and industry-focused activities. The event also highlights potential pathways into gaming, esports, media, technology and other digital creative careers, making it particularly relevant for young people interested in turning their passion for gaming into future opportunities.

Highlights & Schedule

Public esports tournaments: Players can compete in public tournaments across titles including Rocket League 2v2, EAFC26, Tetris, Street Fighter 6, Footy Bash, Brawlhalla and NBA2K26. The event offers both Open and Social divisions for the public competitions, providing options for different levels of competitive experience.

High school tournaments: Queensland high school students in Years 7–12 can take part in dedicated tournaments featuring Minecraft Education, Rocket League, Brawlhalla, Footy Bash and Chess.com. Multiple divisions, medals and school trophies are part of the high school competition program.

Indie developer showcase: Discover games being created by Queensland indie developers and student creators. Visitors can try playable demos, visit developer booths and meet the people behind upcoming Queensland-made games.

Freeplay and racing simulator zones: Those who aren’t competing can still get involved through casual gaming experiences and racing simulator zones. The freeplay areas are designed to give visitors an opportunity to play without needing to enter a competitive tournament.

Gaming industry pathways: Students, parents and aspiring creators can learn about potential careers across game development, esports broadcasting, content creation, graphic design, digital media, marketing, technology, IT and event production.

Career talks and educational opportunities: Industry speakers, career talks, TAFE information booths, mentoring opportunities, resume and portfolio guidance, creator workshops and networking opportunities are included as part of the event’s industry pathways program.

Visitor Information

Date: Saturday 26 September 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Venue: Ipswich Civic Centre

Admission: Free

General admission is free, but visitors must register for a free pass before attending. Spectators can register by selecting the “Spectator Only” option, while players need to register for the relevant competitions.

The event is open to families and members of the general public, while parents are also welcome to attend or participate in eligible public tournaments. Competitors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Food and drinks will be available onsite at Ipswich Civic Centre, allowing visitors to stay at the venue throughout the day.

If you’re travelling to Ipswich specifically for the event, registering ahead of time is recommended so you have your free pass ready before arriving. Players should also check the requirements for their chosen tournament and allow enough time for registration and preparation.

Make Central Motel Ipswich Your Event Base

For visitors travelling to Ipswich for the Esports Cup, Central Motel Ipswich provides a comfortable and convenient accommodation option close to the city’s major attractions and event venues.

The motel is particularly useful for players, families, schools and spectators travelling from other parts of Queensland. Rather than making a long drive home after spending the day at the event, visitors can stay overnight in Ipswich and enjoy a more relaxed trip.

Guests can enjoy comfortable accommodation, convenient parking and a relaxing place to unwind after a full day of gaming and activities. Staying locally also gives visitors the opportunity to explore more of Ipswich, including its restaurants, heritage attractions, shopping areas and other local experiences.

Whether you’re travelling from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast or elsewhere in Queensland, Central Motel Ipswich provides a practical base for making the most of the Ipswich Esports Cup and enjoying a wider visit to the region.