News

GSSC eSports Day 2025 revives the spirit of LAN gaming

By Pip Turton

Jul 3, 2025

Rhylin Jones, Max Jenkin, Liam Lewis competing in the Rocket League Competition. Photo by Contributed

Greater Shepparton Secondary College’s annual eSports Day returned on Saturday, June 21, bringing together more than 20 students for a jam-packed day of gaming, competition and community.

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Held in the school gym and inspired by the old-school LAN parties of the early 2000s, the event offered a refreshing take on social gaming.

While online play dominates today’s gaming world, this in-person event reminded students of the fun that comes from gathering together, sharing screens, and cheering each other on.

For a $35 entry fee, students had access to all tournaments, two barbecue meals, and two Sunday passes to The Game Expo 2026 — valued at $140.

They also enjoyed VR stations, casual Nintendo Switch games and a retro arcade area.

One highlight? The “Snack Drone” dropping chip packets into the crowd mid-match.

Coordinator Will Lees said the day wasn’t just about competition,

“It was about students connecting across age groups, sharing their love for gaming and making memories together.”

Popular competitions included Rocket League, Fortnite, Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Diabotical — a student favourite.

Rocket League 3v3 was the most popular event of the day, with the winning team receiving new controllers.
Fortnite winners (determined over 20 rounds) each earned a gaming mouse.
Diabotical 2v2 winners took home gaming keyboards.
Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros winners were awarded controllers and accessories.

In total, prizes worth around $600 were handed out, thanks to financial sponsorship from Johnstone Electrical and Sunvalley Solar, along with generous staff donations.

Every participant also received a double pass to The Game Expo 2026.

Event runners were Will Lees, Brendon Taylor and Justin Tate from Lanslide and The Game Expo.