Matthew Bowler has made history as the inaugural 2025 MOZA Racing Victorian Esports Champion, after his thrilling Grand Final victory on iRacing’s Mount Panorama, Bathurst.

After an online Hot Lap Qualifying, 12 of Victoria’s top Esports drivers were selected to battle for a chance at glory in-person at the Melbourne Showgrounds as part of MotorEx 23.

The weekend began with Qualifying on Saturday, which saw the top eight fastest drivers continue to the semi-finals, including Bowler, Benjamin Roberts, Oscar King, Rehan Liyanage, Philippa Boquida, Callum Newton, Daniel Harris, and Rob Carmichael.

Sunday was an action packed day, with two semi-final sessions that determined the top four drivers moving into the Grand Final.

After each five-lap race, Roberts, Bowler, King and Newton all advanced to the final ten lap race later that day.

The rolling start Grand Final showdown commenced with Roberts in the lead and rapidly increased his gap in front, followed by Bowler, King and Newton.

Unfortunately, King tapped Bowler during this lap, sending King to the back of the field.

Lap two saw the pack tighten, with Bowler gradually increasing the pressure on Roberts and Newton chasing Bowler for P2.

The pressure continued on the race leader for multiple laps, until Bowler snatched the lead on lap five, marking the first lead change of the race.

Contact between Roberts and Newton occurred immediately after this lead change, resulting in King slipping into second.

Throughout the back half of the race, King attempted to challenge for the lead, but Bowler defended his first-place spot, creating a two and half second advantage by the end of race.

The last lap also saw a battle for second, which ended in contact between Newton and Roberts. This resulted in Newton receiving a penalty, demoting him to fourth, Roberts finishing in third, and King taking home second.

By the end of the weekend, Bowler secured the race win and became the 2025 MOZA Racing Victorian Esports Champion.

“I’m feeling great. I didn’t expect to break out a lead, so made the race calmer for me towards the end,” Bowler said.

“It was an awesome race, battling with a good bunch of guys so it’s awesome to come out on top.

“Thanks to my Dad as he told me to do this championship, so he can take some of the credit on this one.

“I am really happy to take the win, so I would like to thank my team, Evolution Racing Team, family and friends, as well as my boss, who encouraged me along the way.”

Bowler was awarded with a MOZA Racing R3 Bundle, a well-deserved prize for such a superb drive.