Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Esports Competition

Students and educators are encouraged to enter the competition before the March 1, 2024 deadline.

Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor David C. Banks announced the launch of the official submission period of the fourth annual New York City Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs (BOTB) ahead of the second BOTB Mayor’s Cup. Submissions for student teams are open now, and close on March 1, 2024. Information on how to join the challenge is available on the NYC Public School website. Top submissions will compete at an in-person Esports qualifying round in each borough.

Once again in partnership with Minecraft Education and C40’s Reinventing Cities initiative, BOTB is a scholastic K-12 Esports competition designed to engage our youngest New Yorkers in shaping the future of their city. Building on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done (GSD), the city’s strategic climate plan, and the Mayor’s Digital Gaming Initiative, student teams will compete to create the most inclusive future-ready city spaces. By participating in this challenge, students will be able to explore the five boroughs, “speak” to local officials, and learn more about New York City’s sustainability plans. Students will develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and immersive way. Students can refer to Mayor Adams’ message here for a glimpse of what this project will look like.

“The ‘Battle of the Boroughs’ challenge showcases the creativity of our public school students and how New York City is addressing climate change while continuing to make our city the digital gaming capital of the world,” said Mayor Adams. “I encourage all students who love digital gaming to sign up for this competition and join our mission to create a sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready city. I’ll see you at the Mayor’s Cup!”