It was leaked last week, but now it’s been confirmed: Epic is introducing an in-game tournament system to Fortnite. It’s open to absolutely everyone; whether you’re on an iPhone 7 or a high-end PC, anyone can compete in the Fortnite tournaments and play in the same lobbies. You can compete directly alongside the pros and content creators in the next Fortnite tournament.
What is the Fortnite tournament?
Fortnite tournaments work by a points system. The more kills you get and the higher you place in each game, the more points you’ll earn. Reach the target number of points, and you’ll receive a shiny pin to mark the accomplishment. Epic has confirmed that in the future, obtaining a pin will mean you advance to the next round or qualify you to win prizes.
When you’re in a tournament, skill-based matchmaking will come into effect. The better you play, the stronger opponents you’ll come up against. Vice versa works too – if you’re playing poorly, you’ll be matched up against opponents who are also struggling. Each tournament session is a clean slate though, so your performance on one day won’t carry on to the next.
When does the Fortnite tournament start?
Epic has released the initial schedule. The first tournament is tomorrow, so prepare yourself.
- Alpha Tournament (Solo)
- Dates: October 16 – October 21
- Description: Participate in the first in-game tournament, spanning across several days of daily competition!
- Beta Tournament (Duo)
- Dates: October 23 – October 25
- Description: Grab a friend and take on the world – until you are the last two left.
- Friday Night Fortnite (Squad)
- Dates: October 19 – November 30
- Description: Join your friends every Friday and kick off your weekend with some exciting Squad action.
- Salty Springs Cup (Solo)
- Dates: October 27 – October 31
- Description: One week and three attempts to prove you’re the saltiest that Salty Springs has to offer.
- Tomato Temple Cup (Duo)
- Dates: October 28 – November 1
- Description: Become legends of the Tomato Temple Cup.
Each tournament will be available under the Events tab in-game. The dates provided don’t mean the matches are 24/7 though – there are designated sessions per region. For example, the Alpha Tournament (Solo) that kicks off tomorrow, October 16, may only be available from 6 pm – 8 pm EST. We don’t know the exact times yet for each tournament or each day, but you have multiple opportunities to earn points in each tournament rather than it being one cumulative total.
Dates: October 16 – October 21
Description: Participate in the first in-game tournament, spanning across several days of daily competition!
Dates: October 23 – October 25
Description: Grab a friend and take on the world – until you are the last two left.
Dates: October 19 – November 30
Description: Join your friends every Friday and kick off your weekend with some exciting Squad action.
Dates: October 27 – October 31
Description: One week and three attempts to prove you’re the saltiest that Salty Springs has to offer.
Dates: October 28 – November 1
Description: Become legends of the Tomato Temple Cup.
Which input device can I use?
No matter which peripheral you’re using to play, you can be matched up with anyone. This means that controller players will come up against competitors playing with a keyboard and mouse, along with players on mobile devices or tablets. Epic has cited popular players like NICKMERCS, Ghost Aydan and KamoLRF as controller players who have proven themselves at the top level of competition.
What about the Fortnite 2019 World Cup?
Epic added a final note at the bottom of their official post:
They announced the Fortnite 2019 World Cup way back at E3 2018, so it’s great to hear some more news about the tournament finally. We’re looking forward to getting stuck into the Alpha Tournament (Solo) tomorrow – it’s about time!
“Beginning later this year, all eligible players will have the opportunity to qualify for the 2019 Fortnite World Cup directly through a ‘Showdown Royale’ event hosted using the in-game tournament system.”
