Students designing the future of their city
A citywide scholastic esports challenge where K–12 teams use Minecraft Education to tackle real urban issues like sustainability, access and community development.
Mission
Battle of the Boroughs engages NYC Public Schools students in shaping the future of their city. Building on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the City's long-term sustainability plans and the Mayor's Digital Gaming Initiative, student teams compete to create the most inclusive, future-ready city spaces.
History
The competition began in 2021, growing from 1,200 students in its first year to a record 3,395 in 2026, with more than 15,000 students engaged overall. The first in-person Mayor's Cup took place on June 10, 2023 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Since 2025 the finals have been part of the NYC Video Game Festival.
Season by season
2021
Battle of the Boroughs launches; about 1,200 students take part in year one.
2023
First in-person Mayor's Cup, June 10 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, kicking off NYC Summer of Games.
2024
Borough championships across all five boroughs; Mayor's Cup winners include a tie in the elementary division.
2025
Finals move to the first annual NYC Video Game Festival at Convene Brookfield Place on May 31.
2026
Sixth annual season: a record 3,395 students, 178 first-time schools, and finals on May 9 at the second NYC Video Game Festival.
Educational objectives
Critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, coding and civic understanding, grounded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the City's sustainability plans.
Career connections
Borough events and finals double as fairs with NYC colleges, community organizations and industry partners, featuring career-oriented learning.
Civic engagement
Students explore the five boroughs, interact with local officials and learn about New York City's improvement plans.
Eligibility & participation
Open to NYC Public Schools students in grades K–12. Teams of up to five students (five required for in-person rounds) with a school advisor, coach or designee.
- Elementary SchoolGrades K–5
- Middle SchoolGrades 6–8
- High SchoolGrades 9–12
About this website
This is an independently hosted, provisional site. It is not authorized or endorsed by NYC Public Schools. Competition facts on this site are drawn from official public sources and linked where shown. Official rules, deadlines and policies are set by NYC Public Schools.