Page 16 - Waterfall City MayJune Issue 2026

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Curro Waterfall hosts a record-breaking

weekend of esports excellence

A t the end of March, the typical quiet and slow While “quick fingers” are a part of the equation, success

in the arena requires deep game knowledge, keyboard
start of the school holidays was replaced by the
rapid-fire clicking of computer keyboards and the
and mouse dexterity, and – most importantly – intense
high stakes roar of a digital arena. Curro Waterfall
played host to the Curro Clash Gauteng LAN for the second communication and teamwork. This professional
environment is bolstered by the African Cyber Gaming
year running – a weekend defined by friendly rivalry, school League (ACGL) and seasoned “shoutcasters” (esports
pride, and a level of gaming excellence that proves esports commentators) who provide live play-by-play analysis,
is no longer just a hobby – it’s a premier school sport. lending the event the same prestige as a traditional sports
derby.
Since its inception, the event has seen exponential growth.
In 2023, the Gauteng regional started with just eight The challenge
schools and 95 players. Fast forward to 2026, and the event Players are placed in different pools where there are round
has nearly tripled in size, hosting 267 players in what has robin playouts. Once all these matches have been played,
become the largest regional event to date. teams are placed in either a top bracket or a lower bracket.
After these two brackets have been set, the semi-finals
More than just a game and finals begin. The top bracket teams compete for
Curro Holdings’ pioneering esports initiative is a strategic podium placements. If a team makes the podium, they
move designed to engage a digitally native generation. automatically qualify for the National LAN against inter-
According to Magdeleen de Kock, Curro Esports Project provincial teams.
Manager, the skyrocketing demand underscores the need
for structured, competitive gaming at school level. The atmosphere: Digital meets traditional
For those with reservations about the intensity of gaming,
“Curro Clash is more than just a tournament,” De Kock one walk through the hall during a final would change
emphasises. “It’s a space where learners grow in confidence, your mind. The atmosphere is every bit as loud and intense
make friends, and compete with integrity. We have been as a rugby or netball derby. With 90% of the titles being
growing our esports programme for the last 5 years, and to Player-vs-Player (PvP), the suspense is palpable. As matches
be asked to host again, speaks to how far our esports, and are streamed onto giant screens, the cheers from parents,
our players, have come.” coaches, and fellow learners rival any stadium crowd.

14 Waterfall City May/June 2026