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ESL, Microsoft Store partner for temporary Esports Academy

Microsoft and the ESL will partner for an Esports Academy that will run over this month.

Taking place at the Microsoft Store Sydney, which itself is located within Pitt St Mall, the academy will be available between 16-22 April. It aims to “bring together a range of speakers within the community, from professional players to shoutcasters, to share their insights and advice; along with hands on experiences and practical tips for attendees,” according to Microsoft.

Some of the academy’s instructors include:

  • Jayke ‘Jayke’ Paulsen: A professional League of Legends player and is the starting support and team captain of Avant Gaming who competes in the Oceanic Pro League.
  • Rohan ‘Brucy’ Bruce: A former semi-professional Counter-Strike player and former professional coach. After retiring from competitive play and coaching, he became COO of Avant Gaming and now runs the business along with the CEO and the team.
  • Laura ‘Saerianne’ Scott: An interviewer and host for The Oceania Pro League and ESL Australia broadcasts.
  • Iain ‘SnypeR’ Turner: A former professional in the golden era of Australian Counter Strike: Global Offensive and now works as a professional analyst and commentator. Iain also took part in two majors and was a part of the line-up that famously defeated Cloud9 at the Crown Invitational in 2015.
  • Danny ‘DK’ Kim: A professional host and commentator covering games such as Counter Strike: Global Offensive and Rainbow Six Siege both locally and on the global stage. Danny is also a part of the ESL business team working to develop and cultivate esports in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Max Ferfoglia: The Gaming Community Manager at the Sydney flagship Microsoft Store, he is also the co-owner of esports team Dark Sided and has a strong background in the Australian esports scene.

“It’s great to see a retail space such as the Microsoft Store being used to engage directly with the gaming community in Australia through these workshops,” said Danny Kim of ESL Australia. “The esports industry in Australia continues to experience rapid growth and this partnership with Microsoft Store helps us to share some of our knowledge and experience about esports and give people a chance to get up close and personal with some of the leading talent in the industry.”

Are you planning on attending the Esports Academy?


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Steve Wright

Steve's the owner of this very site and an active games journalist nearing twenty (TWENTY!?!) years. He's a Canadian-Australian gay gaming geek, ice hockey player and fan. Husband to Matt and cat dad to Wally and Quinn.