Sydney’s Microsoft Flagship Store to host Esports Academy with ESL

Do you want to learn more about esports, the industry and talk to people involved? If your answer is yes, then you should check out this new event series from ESL and Microsoft. They’ve partnered for an event called Esports Academy.

What is Esports Academy about?

The aim of the event series is to help educate and work with future talent for the esports industry. Here is a description from the press release:

Whether you’ve been playing with friends online, are a budding shoutcaster, esports player, or you’re just interested in learning more, the Esports Academy is a great way to meet other gamers, learn from some leading industry talent and have fun.

The Academy is primarily aimed at young gamers aged 12-17. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to have a parent accompany you.
According to the event information from the Microsoft website, these are the kinds of things that will be included in the Esports Academy events:

  • The history of esports, its foundations and its future on a global scale
  • Potential pathways and career opportunities within the industry
  • Exploration of different types of esports talent i.e. host, caster, commentator, analyst, streamer, etc.
  • How to break into the industry, find a team and/or engage in the playing community
  • A behind the scenes look at what it takes to be a top tier player i.e. preparation, research, rehearsal, etc.
  • Participants will also spend some time playing an Overwatch or League of Legends tournament in a team setting. They’ll be coached by esports professionals.

Who’ll be at the Esports Academy?

Of course, you can’t have an event talking about the esports industry without including some pros. Here are notable names:

  • Danny ‘DK’ Kim is a professional host and commentator covering games such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Rainbow Six Siege. He plays both locally and on the global stage. Danny is also a part of the ESL business team working to develop and cultivate esports in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Jayke ‘Jayke’ Paulsen is a professional League of Legends player and is the starting support and team captain of Avant Gaming who competes in the Oceanic Pro League.
  • Rohan ‘Brucy’ Bruce is a former semi-professional Counter-Strike player and former professional coach. After retiring from competitive play and coaching, he became COO of Avant Gaming. He now runs the business and the team.
  • Laura ‘Saerianne’ Scott is an interviewer and host for The Oceania Pro League and ESL Australia broadcasts.
  • Iain ‘SnypeR’ Turner was a former professional in the golden era of Australian Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and now works as a professional analyst and commentator. Iain also took part in two majors and was a part of the line-up that famously defeated Cloud9 at the Crown Invitational in 2015.
  • Max Ferfoglia is the gaming community manager at the Sydney flagship Microsoft Store, he is also the co-owner of esports team Dark Sided and has a strong background in the Australian esports scene.

When is Esports Academy on?

Esports Academy will run from Monday the 16th of April to Sunday the 22nd of April 2018. Each of the workshops run for 3 hours.
Registration is now open so head here to book your spot: www.microsoft.com.au/esportsacademy