Teenager from Mount Gambier to compete in world simulator racing championship

Xavier Cain, a 16-year-old student from Mount Gambier in south-eastern South Australia, is set to compete against some of the world's best simulator racers in the 2026 Porsche eSports Super Cup World Championship.

From the comfort of his home, Xavier will take on other sim racers in the championship, with competition getting underway at 4am on Monday. "I'm not really aiming to finish a certain position, but I definitely just want to learn a lot for this year," Xavier said.

A Home Advantage

Xavier's set-up at his home will help him take on some of the best simulator drivers in the world. "I'm hoping I can be back for many years to come, so I'm not too worried about trying to finish well. I just really want to learn a lot so I can bring it into the future years to come."

The Porsche Cup prize is a hefty one: $US10,000 and the chance to compete for a real-world development driving spot with the German motorsport giant.

The Rise of Sim Racing

Racing simulators use computer screens, a realistic steering wheel, and pedal set-ups. Sim racing has exploded in popularity as the technology has become more accessible and social media has given it a platform.

Big motorsport names like Formula One champion Max Verstappen have also helped to push the e-sport into the mainstream. Major events are governed by international motorsport's peak body the FIA.

Xavier's Journey

Driving on the simulator program iRacing, Xavier quickly rose through the rankings and joined a professional team, Automoves Racing, just six months ago. He is now in the top 1 per cent of racers on iRacing.

Co-owner Jordan McDonnell said Xavier's talent was clear and he was fast-tracked from the academy to the main team. "Even though his ranking was a lot lower than what was needed to be in our main team, I spoke to the other owner and made an exception for him to be able to be pushed up," Mr McDonnell said.

"One thing's led to another and now he's in the top 32 in the world for Porsche Cup cars and representing us on a global stage."

Making Motorsport Accessible

Sim racing has long been used by motorsport teams as a way for drivers to practice their skills, but it remained a niche hobby for amateurs. However, it has allowed more people access to what could be an expensive industry.

Professional Indycar driver Scott McLaughlin is also boosting the sim racing scene.

Early Mornings Ahead

Back in Mount Gambier, Xavier's early wake-ups will continue for the next six weeks as he starts his world championship campaign. It won't be easy juggling the high-octane competition with Year 11 classes at school and TAFE, where he is studying automotive service and technology.

But mum Teresa Cain will be cheering him on as he chases a world title and a chance at a dream real-world experience. "That's everyone's dream that's in racing, isn't it?" she said. "It would be just amazing to see him get from this and get to that level. We'll give him the best possible chance we can and tick all the right boxes to hopefully get him there."