Fortnite Battle Royale launched in September 2017 and, in less than a year, became one of the biggest games in the world. Although many initially doubted its potential as an esport, it’s quickly made waves with massive events hosted by Epic Games. In fact, Fortnite even has the potential to be the biggest esport of 2019. Here’s why.
Fortnite Is One of the Highest Paying Esports Games
Thanks to high paying tournaments with mass appeal, Fortnite has quickly stormed into being a top five esports games in terms of prize money awarded.
In just 136 tournaments, pro Fortnite players have amassed over $18.8 million dollars in tournament winnings. Compare this to the League of Legends, which has awarded $59.1 million in 2169 tournaments, and you can see Fortnite’s potential.
The large prize pools are mainly thanks to Epic Games themselves. The company has put huge work into growing Fortnite as an esport, with events like Fortnite Summer Skirmish and Fortnite Fall Skirmish having multi-million dollar prize pools.
Fortnite Is the Most-Watched Game on Twitch in 2018
Not only are pro Fortnite players making big money from tournaments, but they’re also building mass appeal on Twitch.
The Twitch streamers with the most subscribers in 2018 are mostly Fortnite players. The top dog is obviously Ninja, but other Fortnite streamers such as Tfue, Cloak, and TSM Myth have become huge personalities for the game.
What’s more, it regularly attracts more Total Hours on Twitch than other esports games, according to stats from NewZoo. Other games may get more esports hours, but this is mainly due to people watching Fortnite events through individual streamers rather than esports hosts.
It’s Open To Everyone
One of the main draws of Fortnite esports is it’s becoming more and more inclusive. You don’t need a big organization to compete. Even players at home can climb their way up the ranks and get noticed.
This has become even more true with the recent in-game tournament system. In fact, the latest Epic Games event, the Fortnite Winter Royale, allows anyone to participate in-game.
https://twitter.com/FortniteGame/status/1065334077551779841
The Fortnite World Cup 2019 will also allow anyone playing at home to try and qualify. Your average home player could turn into an esports champion within months if they have the skills. Check out how to play Fortnite Winter Royale.
Plus, Fortnite Battle Royale is completely free-to-play, making it easy for anyone to get involved.
Will Fortnite Be The Biggest Esport Game of 2019?
There are many other upcoming esports games which could make a big splash in 2019, such as PUBG and Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
However, none have quite matched up to the reach and potential of Fortnite. In less than a year, it became the biggest game in the world. Plus, as the prize pools continue to grow and more people get involved, it will become more and more attractive as an esports title.
It’s safe to say that Fortnite will likely be the biggest esports game of 2019.