Call it a pixel-perfect victory.
A team of students from World Journalism Preparatory: A College Board School, in Queens, secured a major victory at the first-ever NYC Video Games Festival, winning the high school division of the Minecraft Education “Battle of the Boroughs” competition.
The high school team, known as ‘Diamond Sword Bustamoney,’ emerged as citywide champions following a three-stage tournament that began with preliminary digital submissions, advanced through borough-level championships, and culminated in the final round held on May 31. This marks the first time a Queens school has won the title since the competition began in 2021.
The students were honored at a celebration held at the school located at 34-65 192nd St. in Flushing on Tuesday, June 10.
“This is a major achievement for our school and for Queens,” said Ernest Lai, computer science teacher and coach of the school’s Minecraft Club. “The competition required students to solve complex urban planning challenges using Minecraft, while demonstrating creativity, teamwork, and the ability to present their ideas effectively.”
The Battle of the Boroughs was launched by the New York City Department of Education in partnership with Microsoft and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. Originally developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a virtual learning environment, the initiative has grown into a citywide scholastic esports competition. Students in elementary, middle, and high school divisions build digital solutions to real-world urban issues using Minecraft Education Edition.
Jose Perez, instructional technologies director for NYC Public Schools, noted the significance of the win. “This was the first time a Queens high school team captured the title,” Perez said. “Diamond Sword Bustamoney defeated tough competition, including the defending champions from Staten Island’s Tottenville High School.”
Team members credited the program with helping them build practical and interpersonal skills. “Being able to apply my creativity in a competitive setting like this was both challenging and rewarding,” said junior Wendell Joseph Quilang Jr. “Mr. Lai really helped me improve how I communicated our team’s work to the judges.”
Bryan Chiu, also a junior, said the experience combined his passion for gaming with new opportunities. “I’ve always enjoyed Minecraft, but this was on another level,” he said. “The event itself was well-organized and gave us a chance to meet other students and represent our borough with pride.”
Principal Dr. Michelle Roberts Bacchus praised the team’s accomplishment as a reflection of the school’s educational mission. “Our students applied what they’ve learned in and out of the classroom to a real-world challenge,” she said. “This competition underscores the importance of integrating technology and creativity into modern learning.”
The winning team consists of five 11th-grade students, and with another year remaining before graduation, the school is already eyeing the possibility of a repeat victory next year.
“This is not just a club—it’s an opportunity for students to demonstrate leadership, critical thinking, and digital fluency,” Dr. Bacchus said. “We are extremely proud of what they’ve achieved.”
