Minecraft Education Challenge

2026-2027 Battle of the Boroughs Competition begins October 27th, 2026

What is Battle of the Boroughs?

Students in grades 3–12 take part in a citywide esports challenge where they use Minecraft to build future-ready neighborhoods and learn about real-world issues like sustainability and urban development.

NYCPS Battle of the Boroughs 3-12 Scholastic Esports Competition

New York City Public Schools, in partnership with Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Build Challenge (BOTB) is a scholastic 3-12 Esports competition designed to engage all New York City Public Schools students in shaping the future of their city. Building on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the City’s OneNYC 2050 strategic plan, and the Mayor’s Digital Gaming Initiative, student teams will compete to create the most inclusive future-ready city spaces. By participating in this challenge, students will be able to explore the five boroughs, interact with local officials, and learn more about New York City’s improvement plans. Students will develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun, immersive world.

Borough-Based Qualifiers, Citywide Mayor’s Cup & Career to Industry Expo

Qualifying teams compete in borough-specific in-person competition rounds to determine borough champions in each division (elementary, middle school, and high school). Borough champions move on to face off at a major NYC arena in the Battle of the Boroughs Mayor’s Cup Final. The borough winners compete for borough bragging rights and are awarded the annual Battle of the Boroughs Mayor’s Cup. 

These events serve as fairs for students and families, featuring playful learning and career-oriented opportunities with NYC colleges, community-based organizations, and industry partners.

Competition Timeline BotB 2027

New York City Public Schools and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) are proud to launch the fifth annual Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Esports Competition. Through BOTB, students in grades 3–12 compete to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready New York City in Minecraft while developing critical thinking, computer science, public speaking, and problem-solving skills. Submissions for elementary, middle, and high school student teams are open now and close on January 6, 2027. Information on how to join the challenge, as well as entry-level training courses for educators, is available on the New York City Public Schools website.

Following the 2026 NY Knicks win, this year's prompt topic challenges students to develop Minecraft builds that transform the Penn Station area into a safer, more connected, and more welcoming place that captures New York City's unique spirit. Students will incorporate solutions to current challenges, such as traffic, crowding, and safety, while overhauling the area to create an inclusive and connected future for the neighborhood.

Important Dates:

Challenge Launches: Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026

Deadline for Stage 1 Challenge Submissions: Wednesday, January 6, 2027 

Battle of the Boroughs Esports Events: 

  • Stage 2 Borough Qualifiers (Live Build): February – March
  • Stage 3 Citywide Minecraft Finals: May

Resources: Competition Rules | Educator Guide | Student  Presentation (Template or View-Only) |  Stage 1 Rubric  | Submission Form (Coming Soon!)

What do I need to do to compete in the Battle of the Boroughs?

Minimum Requirements:

  1. Full names of student team members (up to 5).
    NOTE: 5 students will be required if selected for in-person Round 2 competition.
  2. Student team name.
  3. A team advisor, coach or designee.
  4. Access to the latest Minecraft Education through your nycstudents.net account.
  5. Confirmation of Media Consent for each participating student.

Stage 1 Submission process (Began Tuesday, October 27th)

October – January: Student teams create a world and record a 3-minute video explaining their build (see rubric) responding to the 2027 Minecraft Build Challenge Prompt. School staff will then submit the competition form and video for their respective teams. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, January 6, 2027. SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 6, 2027.

The Challenge 

Crafting a Championship City 

Penn Station and the surrounding area (like MSG and Moynihan Station) are the beating heart of New York City. Millions of commuters, tourists, sports fans, and concert-goers cross paths here every day. Some challenges include heavy traffic, crowding, and keeping everyone safe and supported. We need your big ideas to improve this bustling hub! With exciting plans for a major station overhaul, this is your chance to let your voice be heard - imagine a welcoming, inclusive, and connected future for the neighborhood.

Prompt

How can we transform the Penn Station area into a safer, more connected, and more welcoming place that captures New York City's unique spirit?

Design Considerations

To make your design responsible and forward-thinking, use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Your design should include:

  • Transportation & Infrastructure: How will people move efficiently? Design accessible networks for pedestrians, cyclists, and commuters alongside sustainable energy, smart utilities, and durable, future-proof infrastructure.  (SDG 7, 8, 9, 11, 12)
  •  Safety & Awareness: How can your design help people feel secure? Use smart lighting, clear signs, and crowd management to create a welcoming environment where people feel safe. (SDG 4, 11, 16)
  • Culture, History, & Identity: How can your design tell a story? Celebrate NYC’s diverse culture and local history through public art, memorials, and architecture that show what makes us unique. (SDG 4, 5, 10, 11)
  • Environment & Resilience: How can your design work with nature? Use green spaces and eco-friendly features to help cool the city, clean the air, and protect us from climate change. (SDG 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15)
  • Public Space & Community: How can your design bring people together and support all residents, including the unhoused community? Create inclusive spaces with accessible amenities. (SDG 1, 3, 10, 11)

Getting Started

World Access: To get started with the 2027 Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft, go to the Blocks of Grass world in Minecraft Education in one of two ways.

  1. Go to the direct link for "Blocks of Grass".
  2. Follow these steps in Minecraft Education.
    1. Launch the game and log in.
    2. Select "Play".
    3. Select "Library".
    4. Select "Search Library", type "Grass", and choose "Blocks of Grass".
    5. Select "Create World".

January 6th: Student team submissions are reviewed by the 2027 Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Challenge judges according to the provided round 1 rubric. School representatives of selected teams will be contacted regarding next steps for participating in the live borough-specific events.

Resources: Competition Rules | Educator Guide | Student  Presentation (Template or View-Only) |  Stage 1 Rubric  | Submission Form (Coming Soon!)

Media Resources:  School Flyer (printable  or teacher-version)

If your school would like to join the challenge, educators should visit the NYCDOE Minecraft website for information and resources to get started.

Upcoming Info and Professional Development Sessions

Battle of the Boroughs Q&A Sessions

Whether your students are seasoned builders or new to the competition, we're here to provide key information and answer any questions to help you support your student teams. Just choose the session that works best for you and get the support you need to get started.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/266550682425111?p=ZHit1EjWvgK0wzw5WY

Professional Learning

New Teacher Cohort  Sessions

Join us for our first-ever NYC Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Edu Training. This CTLE-eligible training series is designed for teachers who are new to Minecraft Edu and want to understand the platform and challenge in greater detail. Teachers must attend the entire series to participate. Please note that this series is specifically designed for educators who are new to Minecraft Education and BOTB. 

Space is limited; sign up today!

For any questions, email BattleOfTheBoroughs@schools.nyc.gov

BotB 2027 Round 1 Resources

Please access these Battle of the Boroughs Round 1 resources as needed.

Sora

The Sora app provides students with access to a digital library that’s available anytime, anywhere. Through Sora, students can borrow and read thousands of free eBooks and audiobooks directly from their phone or tablet—making it an excellent resource for fostering a love of reading and supporting independent learning.

A new Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Challenge Collection is now available in Sora to support students’ research for this year’s competition. To access the collection, visit TeachHub and select Sora (see the Student Guide for detailed instructions).

 

Civics For All

The Civics for All program in NYC schools teaches students from 3rd grade to 12th grade how to be active, informed citizens by studying democracy, government, and current events. It provides teachers with 3–12 curriculum and resources for engaging, project-based lessons, preparing students to use their voices and take part in their communities. The goal is to cultivate students who think critically and feel empowered to positively impact their city and country. Did you know that you can integrate Battle of the Boroughs into that work you are already doing? Teachers, be sure to check out how Battle of the Boroughs fits into the lessons you’re already doing!

New York City Economic Development Corporation(NYCEDC)

It is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that serves as the official economic development organization for New York City. Its primary role is to drive growth and create shared prosperity across all five boroughs by investing in neighborhoods, advancing key industries like technology and life sciences, managing City-owned properties, and developing sustainable infrastructure projects. Essentially, it works to strengthen the city's economy and create quality jobs for New Yorkers. They are partnering with us for this competition to hear your voices! Let them know what you want the future of NYC to look like with your designs.

 

New to Minecraft?

New to Minecraft? To support teachers, our partners at Minecraft Education are offering a 2 hour virtual workshop event on November 12th from 4-6 PM. Register for this session on the Ed Tech Portal. This workshop will help educators become familiar with the platform and provide coding ideas to assist in the challenge a. Additionally, Office Hours and information sessions are available for interested school staff. 

Upcoming Office Hours & Info Sessions

Interested? Choose the session that works best for you and get the support you need to get started:

New Info Sessions will be posted here when available.

Sample Prompts from Prior Years

Below are the Prompts from Prior Battle of the Boroughs Rounds, these can be used to practice creating worlds as a team. All Contests are 30 minute research and then 30 minute builds except the finals which is 45 minutes.

Borough Championship Contest Build Prompts 2024

A build prompt serves as a written directive or challenge for teams during a competitive build challenge.

  • Brooklyn
    • Preliminary K-5 Prompt
      • Create a sustainable learning space along the waterfront where NYC residents can learn about ways to become more involved with solutions for the climate crisis
    • Preliminary 6-12 Prompt
      • Create a sustainable space for businesses and entrepreneurs, especially for people who will help us solve the climate crisis.
    • Semi-Finals Prompt
      • Create sustainable, flood-resilient, and energy-efficient infrastructure for water taxis, e-vehicles, e-bikes, and other sustainable transportation. Also, consider training facilities to get people involved.
  • Bronx
    • Preliminary K-5 Prompt
      • Reinvent the Center so that all residents can easily enjoy the space and establish a good diet where they live. Design ideas for local food production, supplies needed for the food (packaging, transportation, etc), and places for residents to access affordable healthy food.
    • Preliminary 6-12 Prompt
      • Design a community space that promotes inclusivity and provides good, green job opportunities, especially with the surrounding area and the food or community needs supply chain. Consider learning, training, and mentorship to support all community members!
    • Semi-Final Prompt
      • Design a new cultural arts center that serves the community while having a low environmental impact. Include spaces to meet and host activities and how you could create minimal environmental impact in the construction process.
  • Manhattan
    • Preliminary K-5 Prompt
      • Imagine you're a city planner tasked with redesigning a place called SPARC Kips Bay. This place is like a big science park where people study health and nature. Right now, it needs to be made better to stay safe during floods, save energy, and be easy for everyone to visit. Your job is to come up with a design to make SPARC Kips Bay stronger, greener, and easier for everyone to enjoy. Think about how you can make it a cool place for science and health while protecting it from floods and using less energy.
    • Preliminary 6-12 Prompt
      • Imagine you're an environmental engineer tasked with designing a flood-resilient and energy-efficient campus for SPARC Kips Bay, a state-of-the-art science park and research campus in New York City. Your challenge is to create a sustainable and accessible campus that can withstand floods and reduce energy consumption while serving the needs of residents and local communities. Consider innovative solutions such as green infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and resilient building materials. Be creative and think about how your design can benefit both the campus and the surrounding community.
    • Semi-Final Prompt
      • Imagine you're an architect tasked with designing a cutting-edge school focused on public health and state-of-the-art life sciences in Kips Bay, New York City. Your goal is to create a modern educational campus that serves as a pipeline for innovative studies for students. Using your creativity, develop a plan for the school of the future. Consider the layout of classrooms, laboratories, and outdoor spaces to promote hands-on learning and collaboration. Think about incorporating sustainable features such as green roofs, renewable energy sources, and water-saving technologies to make the campus eco-friendly. Design a school that will inspire students to explore the fields of public health and life sciences and prepare them for future careers in these areas. During your share, be sure to explain the benefits of your design for both students and the community.
  • Queens
    • Preliminary K-5 Prompt
      • Build homes in Willets Point for elderly residents that are accessible, energy efficient, and pleasant. Think about their access to nearby amenities such as green spaces, transportation, and community facilities. 
    • Preliminary 6-12 Prompt
      • How would you design this new school in Willets Point to have a low environmental impact? Consider construction materials, energy use, how urban nature is included, and how students travel to school.
    • Semi-Final Prompt
      • Design how people can get to and from the Willets Point soccer stadium. Outside of the professional soccer games, what other uses could be made available to the community? Also, think about how you design the street, ideas for public transportation, and how you can make sure everybody is easily able to access the stadium!
  • Staten Island
    • Preliminary K-5 Prompt
      • Reimagine the waterfront to be better for the environment and also a space for community activities.
    • Preliminary 6-12 Prompt
      • Create a new school in the area that has a low environmental impact. Consider construction materials, energy use, how nature is included, and how students travel to school.
    • Semi-Final 6-12 Prompt
      • Create a zone for civic engagement and activism where future designers can plan sustainably and redesign how travel in the area can be environmentally friendly.
    • Semi-Final K-5 Prompt
      • Create a new school in the area that has a low environmental impact. Consider construction materials, energy use, how nature is included, and how students travel to school.

Backing up your Minecraft World

You can now save your world to the cloud, so you do not need to host from the same device it was created on. This means that the person hosting the world can share it with others as needed but it will reside in their DOE OneDrive account. It will appear in the APPS --> Minecraft Education Edition folder. Please remember to name the world appropriately to assure that you can recognize it as needed.

Get Started with Minecraft Education

Minecraft: Education is free to all NYC Department of Education students through their DOE student account. Review the Technical Guide for more information on installation and troubleshooting.

Download Minecraft

  1. Download Minecraft: Education for Windows, Mac, iPad, or Chromebook.

    1. If you have a DOE-issued iPad, the Minecraft app should already be on your device.

    2. If you have a school-issued Chromebook (from 2019 or newer), you will need help from your school's technology teacher to download the software. 

  2. Sign in using your NYCDOE student account. You will need to ask your school or teacher if you’re unsure about yours.

Guide to Multiplayer


Minecraft’s multiplayer mode is one of the most popular and effective ways to leverage Minecraft and is a great way to keep students connected with classmates, even when collaborating from home. Working together encourages collaboration, communication, and problem-solving as students work together on projects in a shared Minecraft world. The Education Edition of Minecraft makes multiplayer mode much easier to engage in.

Players can be in different locations on different internet services, but they must all be using the same domain (i.e. DOE’s nycstudents.net or schools.nyc.gov). The teacher can host a world or students can join another player’s world if given the join information. The abilities of players in multiplayer mode can be restricted in settings. You can find a full overview of procedures and restrictions in the Minecraft Education Multiplayer Guide. A school or home’s configuration or firewall settings can cause issues, but the guide does offer troubleshooting support.

For technical questions, email us at [minecraft@schools.nyc.gov]

Guide to Coding

Computer programming is what created Minecraft, but you can do your own coding easily inside Minecraft with incredible results. Whether using slash commands or building with the agent, you can program large sets of blocks to be placed quickly. It’s a much faster way to build a whole city block or subway platform than doing it manually. You can also use the agent to manage processes like farming or water management while you tour your build space.

Whether you have participated in the Hour of Code or you’re new to coding, we’re here to support you. 

  • Press C to call your agent and get started.

  • Choose your coding editor. We recommend MakeCode for beginners.

  • You can select a new project to start your own design or choose one of the many built-in tutorials like build a house, gold stairs, or chicken rain.

  • For more guidance, you can View Library and Choose Subject Kits in the menu to find several built-in computer science and digital citizenship worlds and connected lessons.

  • You can explore the full 200 hours of K-12 Minecraft coding or start with an online training course for teachers.

For Minecraft coding or general computer science education questions, email us at CSeducation@schools.nyc.gov.

Past Battle of the Borough Events

Battle of the Boroughs 2025-2026

NYCPS Battle of the Boroughs K-12 Scholastic Esports Competition

The 2026 Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Challenge is here! This exciting citywide e-sports competition invites students to reimagine their communities with innovative designs that promote progress, food equity, and collective action. If you or your staff are interested in participating, visit the Minecraft Education webpage for details and resources. Be sure to mark these key dates on your calendar: 

  • January 16, 2026: Deadline for Round 1 submissions
  • February- March 2026: Battle of the Boroughs Round 2 in-person events
    • Bronx - Roosevelt Campus: Bronx HS for Law And Community Service - March 14th
    • Brooklyn - Dewey HS - March 7th
    • Manhattan - George Washington Campus: Media HS - March 28th
    • Queens - Edison HS - February 7th
    • Staten Island - Tottenville HS - February 28th
  • May 2026: Mayor’s Cup Finals

Don’t miss the chance to showcase your school’s creativity and vision for the future!

For questions, email Minecraft@schools.nyc.gov.

NYC Video Game Festival 2026 - Battle of the Boroughs Finals 

The 2nd Annual NYC Video Game Festival 2026 was on May 9th and completed this year's 2026 NYCPS Battle of the Boroughs Finals event.

Winners of this year's 2026 NYCPS Battle of the Boroughs are listed below:

Elementary School (K-5) Winners - Brooklyn - Team Hyperpigmentation - P.S. 889

Middle School (6-8) Winners - Manhattan - Team Yellow Pandas - New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math High School (NEST+)

High School (9-12) Winners - Staten Island - Stream Team 3.0 - Tottenville High School

Round 2 Battle of the Boroughs - Borough Champions Announced

MaRCH 14th Battle of the Boroughs: Bronx Qualifier
Elementary Division Winners

School: PS 86 The Kingsbridge Heights School
Team Name: PS 86 Tigers

Middle School Division Winners
School: Soundview Academy for Culture and Scholarship
Team Name: SVA U.G.T (Ultimate Gaming Technology) 

High School Division Winners
School: Mott Haven Village Preparatory High School
Team Name: Alexis 

MaRCH 7th Battle of the Boroughs: Brooklyn Qualifier
Elementary Division Winners
School: P.S. 889
Team Name: Hyper Pigmentation

Middle School Division Winners
School: Fort Greene Preparatory Academy
Team Name: The Innovatives

High School Division Winners

School: K371 Lillian Raskin High School
Team Name: Tele Squad

MaRCH 28TH Battle of the Boroughs: MANHATTAN Qualifier 
Elementary Division Winners
School: P.S. 084 Lillian Weber
Team Name: Manhattan Green Lions

Middle School Division Winners
School: New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math High School (NEST+)
Team Name: Yellow Pandas

High School Division Winners
School: Frank McCourt High School 
Team Name: Behemoth
 
FEBRUARY 7TH Battle of the Boroughs: QUEENS Qualifier
Elementary Division Winners
School: P.S. 239Q
Team Name: The Fearless Firebirds

Middle School Division Winners
School: P.S./M.S. 200 - The Magnet School of Global Studies and Leadership
Team Name: Top Secret Developers

High School Division Winners
School: Young Women's Leadership School, Astoria
Team Name: The Miners

FEBRUARY 28TH Battle of the Boroughs: Staten Island Qualifier
Elementary Division Winners
School: P.S. 21 Margaret Emery-Elm Park
Team Name: PS 21 SPARK Warrior Eagles

Middle School Division Winners
School: I.S. 027 Anning S. Prall
Team Name: Brains Over Blocks

High School Division Winners

School: Tottenville High School
Team Name: STREAM TEAM 3.0

What do I need to do to compete in the Battle of the Boroughs?

Minimum Requirements:

  1. Full names of student team members (up to 5).
    NOTE: 5 students will be required if selected for in-person Round 2 competition.
  2. Student team name.
  3. A team advisor, coach or designee.
  4. Access to the latest Minecraft Education through your nycstudents.net account.
  5. Confirmation of Media Consent for each participating student.

Round 1 Submission process (Began Tuesday, October 21st)

October - January: Student teams create a world and then record a 2-3 minute video on their build (see rubric) responding to the 2026 Minecraft Build Challenge Prompt. School staff will then submit the competition form and video for their respective teams. DEADLINE for submissions will be January 16, 2026. SUBMISSIONS WILL BE NOT ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 16th, 2026!!

Prompt:  How can we transform Pier 6 at MADE Bush Terminal in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, into an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable public space that celebrates its industrial past, while serving the diverse needs of the community? 

Pier 6 at MADE Bush Terminal in Sunset Park, Brooklyn is a highly relevant, active, and multi-faceted project location focused on waterfront revitalization, sustainability, community access, and industrial history.

Considerations for your design:

  • Access & Connection: How will people easily and safely get to Pier 6? Think about walking paths, bike lanes, public transportation, and how it connects to the surrounding Sunset Park neighborhood and the existing Bush Terminal Piers Park.
  • Community & Engagement: What activities, features, or amenities will encourage people of all ages and abilities to visit, learn, and relax? How can the space foster a sense of community and celebrate local culture?
  •  History & Innovation: How can your design creatively integrate elements that honor the pier's industrial heritage (like repurposed materials or historical markers) while introducing new, forward-thinking ideas for a modern public space?
  • Environment & Future: How will your design incorporate green infrastructure, protect local habitats, and demonstrate climate resilience strategies to ensure the pier thrives for future generations?
  • Computer Science: How can you use coding and/or artificial intelligence (AI) to make your public space more interactive or dynamic? Think about how technology could help your build respond to visitors, improve the experience, or solve real-world problems.

World Access: To access the 2026 Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft World you can go to the Blocks of Grass world within Minecraft Education one of 2 ways.

  1. Go to the direct link for “Blocks of Grass”.
  2. Follow these steps in Minecraft Education.
    1. Launch the game and login.
    2. Select "Play".
    3. Select "Library".
    4. Select "Search Library", Type "Grass" and choose “Blocks of Grass”
    5. Select "Create World”

January 16th: Student team submissions are reviewed by the 2026 Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Challenge judges according to the provided round 1 rubric. Those teams selected for the second round will have their school representatives contacted on the next steps in participating in the live borough specific events. 

Battle of the Boroughs 2024-2025

NYCPS Battle of the Boroughs K-12 Scholastic Esports Competition

New York City Public Schools, in partnership with Minecraft Education and C40’s Reinventing Cities initiative, Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Build Challenge (BOTB) is a scholastic K-12 Esports competition designed to engage all New York City Public Schools students in shaping the future of their city. Building on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the City’s OneNYC 2050 strategic plan, and the Mayor’s Digital Gaming Initiative, student teams will compete to create the most inclusive future-ready city spaces. By participating in this challenge, students will be able to explore the five boroughs, interact with local officials, and learn more about New York City’s improvement plans. Students will develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills in a fun immersive world. 

2025 Minecraft Battle of the Boroughs Video     Minecraft Education eSports

Borough-Based Qualifiers, Citywide Mayor’s Cup & Career to Industry Expo

Qualifying teams compete in borough specific in person competition rounds to determine boroughs champions in each division (elementary, middle school and high school). Borough champions move faceoff at a major NYC arena in the Battle of the Boroughs Mayor’s Cup Final. The borough winners compete for borough bragging rights and are awarded the annual Battle of the Boroughs Mayor’s Cup. 

These events serve as fairs for students and families, featuring playful learning and career-oriented opportunities with NYC colleges, community-based organizations, and industry partners.

2025 Battle of the Borough Mayor’s Cup Division Winners

2025 Battle of the Boroughs Mayor's Cup Finals finished May 31st at the First Annual NYC Video Game Festival and the winners are listed below. We wanted to congratulate the winners of each Grades level as well as all competitors that competed over the weekend.

Elementary Division Winners
Borough: Brooklyn
School: P.S. 889
Team Name: Team Hyperpigmentation

Middle School Division Winners
Borough: Manhattan
School: New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math High School
Team Name: NEST+m Eagles 1

High School Division Winners

Borough: Queens
School: World Journalism Preparatory: A College Board School
Team Name: Diamond Sword Bustamoney 

Battle of the Boroughs 2025 Media Coverage

BOTB / New York City Video Game Festival

Round 2 Battle of the Boroughs 2025 Winners

May 17th Battle of the Boroughs: Queens Qualifier
Elementary Division Winners

School: PS 24 Andrew Jackson
Team Name: Team Sigma

Middle School Division Winners
School: J.H.S. 185 Edward Bleeker
Team Name: Neo NYC 

High School Division Winners
School: World Journalism Preparatory: A College Board School
Team Name: Diamond Sword Bustamoney 

May 10th Battle of the Boroughs: Brooklyn Qualifier
Elementary Division Winners
School: P.S. 889
Team Name: Hyper Pigmentation

Middle School Division Winners
School: Magnet School for Multimedia Technology and Urban Planning
Team Name: Blazing Bulldogs

High School Division Winners
School: The High School for Global Citizenship
Team Name: The X-Men
May 3rd Battle of the Boroughs: Bronx Qualifier 
Elementary Division Winners
School: PS 100X (Returning Champions)
Team Name: Team Game Over

Middle School Division Winners
School: PS/MS 175 The City Island School
Team Name: The Amazing Sharks

High School Division Winners
School: MS/HS 223 The Laboratory School 
Team Name: Bronx Blocks

Battle of the Boroughs 2023-2024

NYCPS Battle of the Boroughs K-12 Scholastic Esports Competition

New York City Public Schools, in partnership with Minecraft Education and C40’s Reinventing Cities initiative, Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Build Challenge (BOTB) is a scholastic K-12 Esports competition designed to engage all New York City Public Schools students in shaping the future of their city. Building on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the City’s OneNYC 2050 strategic plan, and the Mayor’s Digital Gaming Initiative, student teams will compete to create the most inclusive future-ready city spaces. By participating in this challenge, students will be able to explore the five boroughs, interact with local officials, and learn more about New York City’s improvement plans. Students will develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills in a fun immersive world.

2024 Minecraft Battle of the Boroughs Video     Minecraft Education eSports

Borough-Based Qualifiers, Citywide Mayor’s Cup & Career to Industry Expo

Qualifying teams compete in borough specific in person competition rounds to determine boroughs champions in each division (elementary, middle school and high school). Borough champions move faceoff at a major NYC arena in the Battle of the Boroughs Mayor’s Cup Final. The borough winners compete for borough bragging rights and are awarded the annual Battle of the Boroughs Mayor’s Cup. 

These events serve as fairs for students and families, featuring playful learning and career-oriented opportunities with NYC colleges, community-based organizations, and industry partners.

2024 Battle of the Borough Mayor’s Cup Division Winners

Elementary Division Winner (TIE)
(03M084) P.S. 084 Lillian Weber Elementary School

Principal: Evelyn Lolis | Teacher/Coach: So Ahn 

(08X100) P.S. 100 Isaac Clason Elementary School
Principal: Ariana Arbolino | Teacher/Coach: Eric Scattaretico

Middle School Division
 
(01M539) New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math High School
Principal: Meaghan Lynch | Teacher/Coach: Richard Sullivan 

High School Division
(31R455) Tottenville High School
Principal: Gina Battista | Teacher/Coach: Zachary Rosch

Borough Championship Winners

  • Brooklyn
    • Elementary School
      • School: P.S. 321 William Penn (15K321)
        Team Name: Berthas
    • Middle School 
      • School: I.S. 98 Bay Academy (21K098)
        Team Name: The Redstone Pros
    • High School
      • School: John Dewey High School (21K540)
        Team Name: Blockhampton
  • Bronx
    • Elementary School
      • School: P.S. 100 Isaac Clason (08X100)
        Team Name: The Straw Hat Luffers
    • Middle School 
      • School: P.S./I.S. 218 Rafael Hernandez Dual Language Magnet School (09X218)
        Team Name: Bronx Boyz
    • High School
      • School: The Laboratory School of Finance & Technology (07X223)
        Team Name: Cultura Inclusiva 
  • Manhattan
    • Elementary School
      • School: P.S. 084 Lillian Weber (03M084)
        Team Name: The Green Guardians
    • Middle School 
      • School: New Explorations into Science, Technology, and Math High (01M539)
        Team Name: Amateur Hour
    • High School
      • School: Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School (02M139)
        Team Name: Five Stars
  • Queens
    • Elementary School
      • School: PS 239Q (24Q239)
        Team Name: Ridgewood Rattlers
    • Middle School 
      • School: I.S. 125 Thom J. McCann Woodside (24Q125)
        Team Name: Woodside Wolves 
    • High School
      • School: High School for Arts & Business (24Q550)
        Team Name: Bedrock Bulls
  • Staten Island
    • Elementary School
      • School: P.S. 054 Charles W. Leng (31R054)
        Team Name: The Redstonez
    • Middle School 
      • School: IS 49 Berta A. Dreyfus (31R049)
        Team Name: Dreyfus Lions
    • High School
      • School: Tottenville High School (31R455)
        Team Name: STREAM TEAM 2.0
In the News (Video):

In the News (Print Media):

Other Media

2024 Battle of the Boroughs Spotlight PS100X: eSports Final 4K
2024 Battle of the Boroughs Sizzle Reel:  eSports Sizzle Final Prores 16x9

Battle of the Boroughs 2022-2023

Video of the Battle of the Borough Finals at the Intrepid. 

THE 2023 BATTLE OF THE BOROUGHS FINALS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED!

JUNE 10th | USS Intrepid

Space is limited. To register for passes Fill out the form .

We’re partnering with Minecraft Education and C40’s Reinventing Cities initiative to guide all K-12 students in creating our future New York. Building on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the City’s 32 goals in PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done, and existing mayoral initiatives students will compete to create the most inclusive future-ready city spaces. Students and teachers across the city can find support below.

Battle of Boroughs Finals Details

The event will include the junior and senior championships as well as notable speakers and gamers, a vendor zone, college and career information, a DJ, and prizes

Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Junior Championships-)(Senior Championships-)

Location: Intrepid Museum

Round 1-3 Support
Student Guide (K-5) | Student Guide (6-12) | Teacher Guide | Flip Guide Download Minecraft Education | Download the NYCDOE Reinventing Cities World

Recorded Webinars: Feb. 14 Webinar | March 4th

THE LIVE ESPORTS COMPETITION & OPPORTUNITIES FAIR!

PRO TIP: Expect awards, prizes, SWAG, and much, much more!

Mayors Cup - Minecraft Battle of the Boroughs