Australian Esports League Joins Forces with Australian Grand Prix for Esports Tournament
•February 19, 2026
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Why It Matters
The partnership links grassroots esports with a marquee motorsport event, creating a talent pipeline and boosting brand engagement for both industries.
Key Takeaways
- •$25 entry fee unlocks Grand Prix experience.
- •Primary students compete live Feb 28, Kingsville Primary.
- •Secondary qualifiers on F1 24, top 12 advance.
- •Finals at Albert Park, free race day tickets.
- •HyperX supplies headset, mouse, monitor prizes.
Pulse Analysis
Australia’s motorsport scene is increasingly embracing digital competition, and the new Victorian Virtual Grand Prix exemplifies that trend. By pairing the Australian Esports League’s community reach with the Australian Grand Prix’s global brand, the tournament offers a structured pathway for young gamers to experience real‑world racing culture. The collaboration taps into the growing popularity of sim racing, positioning the Grand Prix as a forward‑looking event that resonates with Gen‑Z audiences accustomed to virtual experiences.
The tournament’s format balances accessibility and elite competition. Primary school participants race on-site at Kingsville Primary, providing an early hands‑on introduction to high‑fidelity simulators. Secondary students face online qualifiers on F1 24, with the top twelve advancing to a finals weekend at Albert Park’s Innovation Hub. Winners not only earn free Grand Prix tickets but also receive HyperX peripherals, reinforcing the value of sponsorships that bridge hardware manufacturers and esports talent development. This prize structure incentivizes participation while showcasing cutting‑edge gaming technology.
Beyond the immediate excitement, the event signals a broader strategic push for Australia’s sim‑racing ecosystem. Partnerships like the one with Next Level Racing and Motorsport Australia underline a coordinated effort to nurture future drivers and esports professionals. Successful execution could attract further corporate investment, expand school‑based esports curricula, and cement Australia’s reputation as a hub for immersive motorsport experiences, ultimately feeding talent into both virtual and real‑world racing series.
Australian Esports League joins forces with Australian Grand Prix for esports tournament
Image credit: Australian Esports League
The Australian Esports League has announced a partnership with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to launch a student esports tournament.
Known as the Victorian Virtual Grand Prix, students from Victorian schools will compete for a chance to win a trip to the Australian Grand Prix, the opening race of this year’s Formula One season.
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Entrance to the event costs $25 AUD (~£13.11) and features two pathways open to primary and secondary school students. Students aged 10 to 12 will compete in an in-person event at Kingsville Primary School on February 28th. The top four drivers will advance to the Grand Prix Finals, taking place on March 5th.
The secondary school pathway is open to Victorian school students in Years 7 to 12. Participants will compete in online qualifiers on F1 24 for PC and Xbox, with the top 12 drivers securing a place at the Grand Prix Finals.
The Grand Prix Finals will take place at the Innovation Hub located within Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit, with finalists earning free one-day entry to the Australian Grand Prix alongside one parent. The remaining 16 drivers will compete on state-of-the-art sim racing rigs designed to offer an immersive experience.
HyperX will support the Victorian Virtual Grand Prix after it joined forces with the Australian Esports League in December 2025. The gaming peripherals brand will also provide a range of prizes to the top three drivers, with the winner receiving a headset, gaming mouse, gaming monitor, and a custom trophy.
Australia’s Sim Racing Efforts
Sim racing in Australia remains a popular engagement tool to offer aspiring drivers a pathway into real-world motorsport. In January, Motorsport Australia extended its partnership with Next Level Racing to continue supporting the body’s esports initiatives.
By partnering with the Australian Grand Prix organisers, students in the state of Victoria have an opportunity to compete in a structured tournament and attend one of the state’s largest sporting events.
The post Australian Esports League joins forces with Australian Grand Prix for esports tournament appeared first on Esports Insider.
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