Today I’m joined by Dan Aivaliotis-Martinez, founder of The FUSE Cup, an international interschool Esports competition promoting digital wellbeing, inclusion, and safe competitive gaming. We dive deep into how esports is transforming education, student engagement, and learning pathways.
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 can be used to educate, engage, and empower the next generation.
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
🔗 Learn more about The FUSE Cup:
https://www.thefusecup.com/
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