Borderbash occupies a unique place on the Australian Infinity calendar. Rather than belonging to one major metropolitan scene, it serves as a crossroads where communities from across the country come together. Players travel from Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and everywhere beyond come together making the regionally central(ish) city of Albury a yearly meeting point for friends, rivals, and newcomers alike.
Now in its third year, the event has continued to grow without losing the atmosphere that made it special in the first place. The tournament may be fiercely competitive but just as important are the conversations between rounds, the shared meals after the dice are packed away, and the chance to reconnect with players many attendees only see once or twice each year. Borderbash has become a reunion for one of the world's many passionate Infinity communities.
Helping make that happen was Jordan, better known as ‘NiceThings,’ one of the hosts of Loss of Lieutenant, who joined tournament organizers Kevin and Rudi behind the scenes throughout the weekend.
"I've been playing Infinity since mid-2022. My favorite part about helping host Borderbash was getting to interact with the community in a different way than I normally would. Answering questions, handing out drinks, and just bantering with everyone. It was genuinely some of the most fun I've had at an Infinity event."
A classic Jordan pose!
For a country as vast as Australia, gatherings like Borderbash carry a significance beyond the standings. With communities separated by hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, events like this provide rare opportunities for players to put familiar online names to faces, strengthen friendships, and welcome new competitors into the fold. That growing sense of connection has been reflected in the event itself, with each year bringing fresh attendees alongside the regulars who have made Borderbash an annual tradition.
Author’s note: While this year it was not a Satellite event, we have it on good authority that the Borderbash team has already applied for it for next year.
Cb note: We can confirm that Borderbash is officially a Satellite for ITS Season 18!
Jordan's favorite memories aren't tied to a particular game or trophy, but to what happens after the final round each day. The social evening has become something of a Borderbash institution, with players gathering long into the night before inevitably arriving for round four the next morning just a little worse for wear. It's become part of the tournament's character, a reminder that while everyone comes to compete, they're equally there to enjoy each other's company.
Five Missions, One Weekend
Every major Infinity event develops its own personality through mission selection, and Borderbash is no exception. This year's lineup featured:
- Superiority
- B-Pong
- Akial Interference
- Cutthroat
- *Radial Unmasking
The missions weren't chosen lightly. Representatives from communities across Australia work together to build the packet, debating options until they arrive at a lineup that offers variety while complementing the rest of the country's tournament calendar. This year saw a deliberate effort to feature several Direct Action missions without duplicating the core ITS selections used at Australia's other flagship events.
The finale, *Radial Unmasking, proved especially popular. A fresh spin on a familiar mission, it had already generated excitement before the tournament and provided a memorable conclusion to the weekend.
(So many OSS players broke the graphic! I guess Ill need to make a new one…)
More Than Great Games
Ask what keeps players returning to Borderbash year after year and you'll probably hear one joke before the real answer.
According to Jordan, it's definitely the walk-in fridge full of drinks. After a laugh, he quickly clarifies.
"It's all about the people and the high quality of games being played. The Aussie community is awesome, and any excuse we have to come together for a big event is always going to be a great time."
That welcoming atmosphere doesn't happen by accident. Jordan was quick to recognize the work of tournament organizers Kevin and Rudi, Corvus Belli for its continued support, and the wider Australian Infinity community whose enthusiasm has helped Borderbash continue to grow every year.
The Road to the Final Table
Standing atop the field this year was Dante (Harrower), claiming first place with Next Wave. His run culminated in a final-round victory over Luke (Kanhead), who piloted Corregidor Jurisdictional Command (Deep Space) to an impressive fourth-place finish.
Many players will already know Dante through his YouTube channel, Infinity the Dante, where he creates strategy videos aimed at helping players deepen their understanding of Infinity. Having discovered the game after the pandemic, he quickly found himself captivated by its tactical depth and rich setting.
His most memorable moment came during round four in a tense game of Cutthroat against local legend Dr. Cal.
Achilles had become trapped in an quantronic nightmare, isolated by an Asura and unable to break free despite repeated attempts to Reset. Round after round, the Asura poured fire into the immobilized hero while Achilles stubbornly refused to fall. Finally restored to action by a Speedball, he had one chance to swing the game.
To reach the Asura, Achilles first had to sprint across the sights of an enemy sniper. The shot came: a critical hit.
What had been favorable odds instantly became a coin flip. The sword struck home and saves were rolled. When the dust settled Achilles was still standing and had carved his way through to victory.
That momentum carried Dante all the way to the final table. Facing Luke's Corregidor, he abandoned his original mission-focused strategy after recognizing how the two armies interacted. Rather than playing cautiously, he leaned fully into the strengths of Achilles, trusting the legendary hero to dictate the pace of the game.
"The hammer came down quite hard,"
Dante reflected afterward, while praising Luke's play and acknowledging that the Lieutenant roll played a major role in how the matchup unfolded.
Looking back on the weekend as a whole, Dante believes Borderbash has earned its place among Infinity's premier events.
"It was fantastic and absolutely deserving of its reputation. It brings the national community together in a great meeting point."
Players interested in hearing more can look forward to Dante's full tournament breakdown on his YouTube channel.
Borderbash has spent three years growing into one of Australia's defining Infinity events because it captures what makes the community so special: great games, familiar faces, and a reason for players from every corner of Australia to meet around the same tables. If this year's turnout is any indication, that tradition is only getting stronger.
For Australian players already planning their next trip, keep an eye out for Burn City Brawl, coming to Victoria this September.
