On May 5, over 270 students from across Queens convened at Thomas Edison High School in Jamaica to participate in the semi-finals of the 2025 Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs. This event, a precursor to New York City’s inaugural Video Game Festival later this month, was organized by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment in collaboration with NYC Public Schools and the National Esports Association.
The competition, now in its third year, has seen remarkable growth, with 3,295 students submitting 659 entries—marking a 37% increase in participation compared to last year and more than double the involvement from 2023. Participants were challenged to utilize Minecraft Education to envision and construct models of a more sustainable, future-ready New York City.
The winning teams from Queens are:
- Elementary Division: Team Sigma from PS 24 Andrew Jackson, led by teacher Kerry McGarvey and Principal Bani Singh.
- Middle School Division: Neo NYC from J.H.S. 185 Edward Bleeker, coached by Ana Silva-Collins under Principal Michael Leung.
- High School Division: Diamond Sword Bustamoney from World Journalism Preparatory School, guided by teacher Ernest Lai and Principal Michael Roberts Bacchus.
The victorious teams will represent Queens in the Mayor’s Cup Minecraft Education finals, which will take place during the city’s first-ever NYC Video Game Festival at Convene Brookfield Place in Manhattan. This free public event promises a range of activities, including esports competitions, virtual reality experiences, indie game demonstrations, cosplay contests, and a career expo aimed at showcasing educational and job opportunities within the digital games industry.
Deputy Mayor Adolfo Carrión Jr. emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “This event celebrates New York City’s growing leadership in digital gaming, while opening doors for students and young professionals to explore career paths in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.”
The Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs is part of a broader initiative by the Adams administration to promote career-connected learning and highlight the city’s expanding digital economy. Earlier this year, officials announced over million in new investments in digital game education and training, which includes support for CUNY’s first-ever bachelor’s degree in game design and development.
Carrión further remarked, “The NYC Video Game Festival is more than just fun and games – it is about the future of New York City’s economy, education, and creative industries.” The final round on May 31 will not only crown this year’s Mayor’s Cup winners but also showcase the creativity and teamwork of students, reflecting the city’s commitment to enhancing digital literacy and technology access.
For those interested in learning more or registering for the NYC Video Game Festival, additional information is available online.
