Lighting the Torch: Reflections on the Inaugural School Esports World Championships in Malta

The lights have dimmed, the equipment is packed away, and the final scores are officially recorded. But here in Malta, the spirit of the first-ever DAIGON School Esports World Championships (SEWC) is still electrifying. Hosting this groundbreaking international event at PLAYCON was more than just running a tournament; it was the realisation of a shared, global vision for the future of education and gaming.

Malta: Our New Global Home

Just over a year ago, DAIGON Esports relocated to Malta under the Malta Enterprise Start-Up Scheme, finding a passionate home at the GamingMalta incubator. This move was a strategic leap, and the SEWC was our first major statement: Malta is now a global hub for education technology and esports innovation.

Seeing the Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government attend the live finals was a powerful moment, confirming Malta’s commitment to this ecosystem. As our co-founder, Elliot Mack, put it, "We are incredibly proud to see Malta emerge as a world stage for scholastic esports".

A Global Celebration of Student Talent

The true win of the SEWC wasn't a score on a screen; it was the sight of students from seven countries and four continents  coming together to compete and collaborate. These teams qualified through our official partners—COBIS, ISA, ECIS, and BSME —who collectively represent over 1,500 schools worldwide.

We focused on titles that build real-world capabilities: U12 and 13+ Minecraft, and Rocket League  for rapid teamwork, creativity, and strategic communication. Every student who participated was not just playing a game; they were practicing AI-proof skills, discovering their place to shine at school, and connecting with the massive global video game industry.

This event was the chance to grant these dedicated young people the opportunity of a lifetime, with teams flying in from:

• Bermuda: Chatmore British International School

  
  

• China: Shanghai Singapore International School

  
  

• Germany: International School Hannover Region

  
  

• Saudi Arabia: British International School Riyadh

  
  

• South Africa: Centennial Schools

  
  

• United Arab Emirates: Al Yasat Private School

  
  

• United Kingdom: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate, Littlegarth School, Scarisbrick Hall School, St Christopher's Prep School, and Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill

  
  

Elliot perfectly encapsulated the ethos: "This championship wasn't just about competition—it was about community, collaboration, and showcasing how video games can build real-world skills and opportunities for students around the world".

Pulling Together for a Shared Success

An event of this magnitude—the world’s first scholastic esports finals —doesn't happen by accident. It happens because everyone involved believed in the vision and pulled together. From our venue partners at PLAYCON, GamingMalta to the DAIGON team, and from the educators who championed their teams to the students and parents who travelled thousands of miles, the sense of shared purpose was palpable.

The torch has been lit here in Malta, and we can’t wait to see how bright this global movement burns in the years to come.

Thank you to every partner, educator, parent, and, most importantly, every single student athlete who made history with us.

David Higginson - Sales Director, DAIGON Esports

P.S. The results are in! Tune in tomorrow as we announce the official SEWC champions across the U12 Minecraft, 13+ Minecraft, and Rocket League categories. You won't want to miss which international schools took home the inaugural titles!