2026 Jacksonville Mayor’s Cup – New Jax City Build Challenge with Minecraft

🎮 New Jax City Build Challenge – Mayor’s Cup Finals

Witness the Biggest Minecraft Event Jacksonville Has Ever Seen!

After over 500 students from across Jacksonville competed in the virtual semifinals, the top teams from elementary, middle, and high school are advancing to the live finals—and you’re invited to cheer them on as they compete for the Mayor’s Cup!

Join Mayor Donna Deegan, city officials, educators, and community leaders for a high-energy, Esports-style event where Jacksonville’s brightest young minds will help reimagine the city’s future— live, in just 30 minutes per grade category, within the "Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach World" using Minecraft Education. Enjoy interactive on-stage interviews, exciting giveaways, special guests, and activities throughout the competition—all part of an unforgettable celebration of youth innovation and civic imagination.

Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Doors open at 9:00 AM)
Location: WJCT Soundstage, Jacksonville

This event is open to the public—students, families, schools, and supporters are all welcome! Experience the power of STEM, civic engagement, creativity, and youth leadership in action.

Watch students build a better Jacksonville—one block at a time.
📄 Learn more: www.Jacksonville.gov/Minecraft

• Finalist Teams: Register under VIP - Finalist Team Member (Includes 5 team members, up to 2 alternates, and 1 sponsor per team)
• Supporters & Guests: Register under General Admission or School Field Trip (Open to families, friends, and classmates—bring a bus of students to cheer your team on!)

This exciting citywide competition is open to all student teams in Duval County and Atlantic Beach, from elementary through college levels. Participants are challenged to reimagine Jacksonville’s public spaces and communities using Minecraft Education.

The challenge combines STEM, urban planning, and creativity to inspire collaboration, civic engagement, and innovative thinking.

We’re proud to share that Jacksonville is one of the few cities worldwide featured in Minecraft Education! Players from around the globe can explore digital versions of key areas in our city. Real Jacksonville leaders appear in the game as non-playable characters (NPCs), offering insight into city departments, major projects, and future plans.

The game is also connected to real city planning resources, giving students a unique opportunity to learn about sustainability, resilience, and upcoming developments.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher City of Jacksonville Office of Sustainability