More than 270 students from across Queens gathered at Thomas Edison High School in Jamaica, on Saturday, May 5, to compete in the 2025 Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs semi-finals — a key event leading up to the City of New York’s first-ever Video Game Festival later this month, presented by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.
Hosted by NYC Public Schools in partnership with the National Esports Association, the borough-level competition determined which three teams from Queens — one each from elementary, middle, and high school divisions — will advance to the citywide finals on May 31.
Now in its third year, the Battle of the Boroughs has grown significantly, with 3,295 students submitting 659 entries — a 37% increase in participation compared to 2024, and more than double the student involvement from 2023. Students were tasked with using Minecraft Education to design and build visions 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 borough winners will represent Queens in the Mayor’s Cup Minecraft Education finals, held during the city’s inaugural NYC Video Game Festival at Convene Brookfield Place in Manhattan. The free, public event will feature esports competitions, VR experiences, indie game demos, cosplay contests and a career expo showcasing educational and job opportunities in the digital games industry.
“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,” said Deputy Mayor Adolfo Carrión Jr.
The Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs is part of a larger effort by the Adams administration to foster career-connected learning and highlight the city’s expanding digital economy. Earlier this year, officials announced more than $1 million in new investments in digital game education and training, including support for CUNY’s first-ever bachelor’s degree in game design and development.
“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,” Carrión said.
The final round on May 31 will crown this year’s Mayor’s Cup winners and spotlight students’ creativity and teamwork as part of the city’s growing focus on digital literacy and technology access.
To learn more and to register for the NYC Video Game Festival, click here.
