Let’s Go Harlem! Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos Launches Minecraft Education Esports Competition

Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos today announced the launch of the official submission period of the fifth annual New York City Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs (BOTB) ahead of the third BOTB Mayor’s Cup.

Submissions for student teams are open now, and close on March 7, 2025. Information on how to join the challenge is available on the NYC Public Schools 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. Using fun, immersive computer science and gaming experiences, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

“The annual Battle of the Boroughs competition allows our city’s kids to step up as advocates, creators, and leaders, shaping the future of New York in their own way,” said Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “In learning valuable and in-demand skills like coding, as well as leadership, teamwork, and problem solving, our kids will be set up for rewarding careers and lifelong success. I’m deeply thankful to all our partners who make this opportunity available to our students, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have.”

“The annual Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs competition is back …”

“The annual Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs competition is back, this time with an earlier entry date so that even more students across the five boroughs get an opportunity to enter, and take a meaningful step towards an education and career in NYC’s burgeoning Digital Games Industry,” said NYC Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, Pat Swinney Kaufman.” “This administration and office are committed to supporting digital game development through the Battle of the Boroughs competition leading to the Mayor’s Cup Final as well as multiple initiatives, including support of the GDC (Game Developer’s Conference) at The AI Summit New York next week. It’s an exciting time to be planning for and thinking about the Digital Games Industry in NYC’s future.” 

Qualifying teams will move on to Semi-Finals for their Borough’s Championship, leading up to the Battle of the Boroughs Finals. Borough winning teams will compete in the Finals, where the winner will be awarded the third annual Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Mayor’s Cup. These events will also serve as fairs for students and families, featuring gaming-related opportunities at NYC colleges, community-based organizations, and industry partners.

“As we embark to grow New York City’s digital gaming sector, it is remarkable to see students in all five boroughs utilize this technology to reimagine city spaces,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) Executive Vice President, Innovation Industries Jonathan Schulhof. “The Battle of the Boroughs is a fantastic way for the next generation of New Yorkers to learn about the digital games industry, city planning, and sustainability in the Battle of the Boroughs, and NYCEDC can’t wait to see the visionary projects from this year’s students.”

“I’m thrilled to see Battle of the Boroughs return for 2025. We all look forward to seeing the fantastic ideas that creative young New Yorkers come up with to support equitable access to food across the city. Food production, transportation and consumption is one of the largest drivers of the global climate crisis and a topic we need everyone across society to engage with. Battle of the Boroughs provides a unique opportunity for students to share their views and help create solutions on how we can improve quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said Laura Jay, Regional Director for North America, C40 Cities.

“We are excited to welcome students back once again for Battle of the Boroughs 2025! This Minecraft Education challenge ignites creativity and inspires NYC students to envision a more sustainable city for themselves and future generations. By collaborating with their peers, students can learn from each other, build new skills, and showcase their innovation to city leaders,” said Allison Matthews, Head of Minecraft Education.

New York City Public Schools

New York City Public Schools is a testament to the history and impact of urban education in the United States. With over 1,600 schools spread across five boroughs, the system is made up of approximately 1.1 million students and staff, making it the largest public school system in the nation. These schools employ more than 75,000 teachers who deliver a rich tapestry of educational experiences to a student body that reflects the city’s vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. This network of educational institutions represents not just the scale of New York City’s commitment to public education, but also its dedication to fostering a learning environment that is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. 

Photo credit: Mine Craft.

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