The FUSE Cup - Esports in Schools | Mindclickers Season 6, Episode 5

In this episode of Mindclickers, I’m joined by Daniel Aivaliotis-Martinez, the founder of The FUSE Cup, an international interschool Esports competition that promotes digital wellbeing, inclusion, and positive gaming behaviours among students.

With over 18 years of experience in education and digital innovation, Dan shares how The FUSE Cup is helping reshape the role of gaming in schools across Australia and Asia. From building programs that support neurodiverse students, to tackling issues like loot boxes and screen time, this episode offers a powerful insight into how Esports and gaming can be used to educate, engage, and empower the next generation.

🎙️ Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 - Intro

• 01:32 - Introduction to Dan and the creation of The FUSE Cup

• 05:40 - School expansion roadmap

• 08:30 - How do schools fund esports programs?

• 12:00 - Educating students about loot boxes and game mechanics

• 13:00 - Physical and cognitive benefits of gaming

• 15:10 - Games played in The FUSE Cup

• 17:30 - Age ratings and game selection

• 19:00 - VR and gamification in education

• 22:30 - Setting up and hosting events

• 25:00 - Increasing girls' participation in esports

• 27:40 - Helping kids manage losing

• 29:00 - Encouraging participation and inclusion

• 30:40 - Esports pathways: high school to university

• 33:40 - How to go pro in esports - the tricky answer

• 37:30 - Competitive exposure for students

• 40:00 - Parental perspectives on gaming

• 49:00 - Positive social impact for neurodiverse students

• 51:20 - Final thoughts and advice from Dan

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🔗 Connect with Dan Aivaliotis-Martinez & The FUSE Cup

🌐 The FUSE Cup Website – https://www.thefusecup.com

💼 Dan's LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmartinezfuse