The Australian Arcade Championships (AAC) are returning for 2025, promising the biggest and most competitive arcade gaming tournament in the country's history. With a record prize pool of $50,000 and qualifiers taking place in all major cities, this year's event is set to draw competitors from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Now in its seventh year, the AAC has grown from a small community tournament to one of the most prestigious arcade competitions in the Southern Hemisphere. The event will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from June 14-16, 2025, with qualifiers beginning next month in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart.

New Games and Categories

The 2025 championship will feature both classic and modern arcade games across multiple categories. This year's lineup includes:

  • Classic Arcade: Featuring Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga competitions
  • Fighting Games: Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1 tournaments
  • Rhythm Games: Dance Dance Revolution, Pump It Up, and Beatmania IIDX challenges
  • Racing: Initial D Arcade Stage, Maximum Tune, and Mario Kart GP DX races
  • Light Gun: Time Crisis 5, House of the Dead Scarlet Dawn, and Target Bravo: Operation Ghost competitions

For the first time, the AAC will also include a dedicated virtual reality category, featuring competitions in Beat Saber, Pistol Whip, and a specially commissioned VR arcade experience created by Melbourne-based developers Zero Latency.

"The Australian arcade scene has been growing steadily over the past decade, and the Championships have evolved alongside it. We're seeing incredible talent emerge, with some of our past champions now competing internationally."

— Jessica Reynolds, AAC Tournament Director

Defending Champions and New Challengers

All eyes will be on Tony Nguyen, the reigning AAC Grand Champion who dominated last year's event with victories in both the Street Fighter and Tekken tournaments. Nguyen has since represented Australia at the Evolution Championship Series (EVO) in Las Vegas, finishing in the top 16.

In the classic arcade division, 65-year-old Darren Mitchell will be defending his Donkey Kong title. Mitchell, who has held the Australian high score record for over a decade, will face stiff competition from a new generation of players who have been training on emulators and restored cabinets.

The women's division, introduced in 2022, has seen significant growth in participation, with last year's champion Rachel Wong expected to return to defend her title in the rhythm games category.

Registration and Qualification Process

Registrations for the 2025 AAC are now open, with qualification tournaments beginning on May 4 in Sydney. Players must qualify through their regional events to secure a spot in the finals, though wildcard entries will be available through online competitions for those unable to attend in-person qualifiers.

The qualification schedule is as follows:

  • Sydney: May 4-5 at Game On Arcade, Darling Harbour
  • Brisbane: May 11-12 at Netherworld, Fortitude Valley
  • Perth: May 18-19 at Palace Arcade, Northbridge
  • Adelaide: May 25-26 at Gameroom Essentials, Hindmarsh
  • Hobart: June 1-2 at Barcode, Salamanca Place
  • Online Qualifiers: May 15-30 (for selected games only)

Entry fees are $50 per person for the first category and $25 for each additional category. All participants will receive an exclusive AAC 2025 t-shirt and lanyard, with qualified finalists also receiving travel stipends to attend the Melbourne finals.

More Than Just Competition

Beyond the tournaments, the AAC 2025 will feature a range of activities for spectators and casual gamers:

  • Free play areas with classic and modern arcade machines
  • Vendor marketplace for gaming merchandise and collectibles
  • Industry panels and workshops on game development
  • Cosplay contest with arcade-themed categories
  • Live music performances featuring game music tribute bands

The event will also be livestreamed on Twitch and YouTube, with professional commentators and player interviews throughout the three-day competition.

How to Participate

Whether you're a competitive player or just a fan of arcade gaming, the AAC 2025 offers something for everyone. Tickets for spectators start at $25 for a day pass, with three-day passes available for $60.

For more information on registration, qualification events, or spectator tickets, visit the official Australian Arcade Championships website. You can also follow the event on social media for updates on players, game announcements, and behind-the-scenes content.

Arcad Pulse will be covering all qualification events and providing exclusive interviews with competitors throughout the lead-up to the finals. Stay tuned for more coverage as we get closer to the event!