Fortnite Joins the Esports World Cup 2026

A Twist on Fortnite Competition

Fortnite Reload offers a fast and dynamic spin on the classic Fortnite Battle Royale format. Instead of the traditional die and you are out format, Reload focuses on nonstop action with respawns, tighter maps, and faster engagements. Teams earn points by eliminating opponents and staying active in the fight, which creates a high-paced competitive environment built for highlight moments and crowd-pleasing intensity. Once respawns shut off near the end of the round, the match win still goes to the last team standing.

This shift makes Fortnite Reload a strong fit for EWC, bringing a mode that rewards mechanical skill, duos synergy, and consistent pressure across every match.

“Fortnite has established one of the largest global player communities and continues to influence gaming, entertainment and digital culture far beyond the competitive space,” said Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation. “Hosting the Fortnite Reload Elite Series Championship at EWC introduces a new global, multi-year competitive ecosystem at the world’s biggest esports event. With a massive fanbase around the world, and particularly in Saudi Arabia, we look forward with excitement to welcoming the Fortnite community, including fans, pros, and creators to Riyadh next summer.”

Fortnite has been a major force in global esports since its launch in 2017, delivering iconic moments and record breaking events. The game has pushed competitive boundaries and built a legacy defined by its fast paced mix of building, strategy, and mechanical skill. Nearly a decade later, Fortnite remains one of the most influential esports in the world, and Fortnite Reload’s debut in Riyadh adds another major chapter to that history.

Fortnite veterans immediately resonated with Fortnite Reload when it launched in the summer of 2024. Its fast-paced action encouraged nonstop fights and cut downtime to a minimum, creating an adrenaline-filled alternative to the rest of Epic Games’ competitive ecosystem.

Reload Elite Series

Players can earn their place at EWC through the Reload Elite Series, a global competition with a total of $2.5 million in prize money. Across four online Qualifiers taking place between January and June, duos will battle for a share of $1.5 million and the chance to advance to the in-person Reload Championship in Riyadh, where the top 40 duos in the world will compete for an additional $1 million.

To enter a Qualifier, competitors must hold Elite rank or higher in Reload, have an Account Level of at least 350, and have played in 14 tournaments during the past six months.