Australia’s biggest FGC celebration is back with a bang as Battle Arena Melbourne (BAM) shapes up for its return in late May. This year’s event promises a massive lineup of titles, huge prizes, and qualification opportunities for one of the world’s biggest tournaments at the Esports World Cup later this year.
New Venue and Expanded Features
A staple of the Australian FGC calendar, BAM14 makes a move to the Moonee Valley Racecourse for 2024 and will play host to thousands of competitors across nearly 50 tournaments. Running from May 31 to June 2, BAM14 will also feature seating for spectators, areas for casual gamers, an Artist Alley for creators, and more.
Event Details and Dates
- Dates: May 31 – June 2, 2024
- Location: Moonee Valley Racecourse, Melbourne
The Comeback After COVID-19
The event was put on hiatus during COVID-19 but returned in a big way back in 2022 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organizers have since gone above and beyond, with 2024’s iteration featuring qualifiers for this year’s Esports World Cup.
The top two finishers in the Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6 categories will book their tickets to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to compete against the world’s best for record prize pools.
Major Tournaments and Prizes
BAM14 will also be the Australian stop on the Tekken World Tour with a $5,000 AUD prize pool and international ladder points up for grabs. The event will also feature major tournaments for Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate, Mortal Kombat 1, and Guilty Gear Strive. As such, big names from around the region are making the trek down under, including three-time EVO winner and reigning BAM champ Knee, SF6 star Xian, and Japanese duo Tokido and Bonchan.
Notable Competitors
- Knee: Three-time EVO winner and reigning BAM champ
- Xian: Star player in Street Fighter 6
- Tokido and Bonchan: Renowned players from Japan
Local Competitions and Bounty Prizes
BAM14 is also the culmination of the local Australian CouchWarriors league’s inaugural season, with bounty prizes up for grabs across several titles—but only if the mercenaries have what it takes to bring down their bounties live at Moonee Valley.
Features for Participants and Spectators
- Late Registration: Open for competitors up until the event
- Spectator Passes: Available for anyone wanting to watch Australia’s best and brightest take on world-class competitors
Conclusion
Jake Paul’s encounter with lightning while aboard his private plane serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of aviation safety measures.
Despite the intensity of the moment, modern aircraft design and safety protocols proved effective in averting a potential disaster. As Paul reflects on the experience, it underscores the need to live each day with purpose and gratitude, cherishing every moment of life’s journey.
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