· Elite competition is the third professional esports event at Gamers8, after the phenomenal success of Rocket League and the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters
· FaZE Clan, NRG Esports and Team Liquid are among the Fortnite favorites at Gamers8 – but could a challenger come through to triumph?
RIYADH-: Gamers8, the biggest esports and gaming event worldwide, welcomes the world’s best Fortnite teams and players to Saudi Arabia this weekend, with the fascinating elite competition commencing on Thursday, July 28.
The eagerly anticipated four-day Fortnite tournament has a staggering $2m prize pool, with the winners of both the Zero Build mode and the Standard version taking home a cool $250,000 each.
Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, Fortnite is the third tournament in the Gamers8 season being held at the purpose-built venue at Boulevard Riyadh City, following the phenomenal success of Rocket League and the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters.
His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Fortnite’s bright colors, hilarious and infectious dance emotes, and its use of in-game currency, have made it not just a gaming favorite but a true cultural phenomenon. It is also one of the few truly popular family-friendly games and has picked up a huge following from people of all ages across the Kingdom and far beyond.
“When planning the unique concept of Gamers8 – which has a mission to blur the lines between what’s physical and what’s virtual – Fortnite was firmly marked ‘must have’ on our gaming agenda. Be it the Floss, the Dance Moves, The L, the Best Mates or the Llama Bell, we look forward to seeing them all in action at Gamers8 in Riyadh and witnessing all of you enjoying them too.”
Fortnite Favorites
FaZe Clan come into the tournament as favorites, with star players Dubs and Ronaldo looking to propel the North American outfit to glory in Riyadh. They’ll be keenly matched by European powerhouses NRG Esports though – especially if Clix and EpikWhale are on their usual fine form. G2 Esports, with fan favorites LeTsHe and Jelty gunning for glory, and Team Liquid, with Mitr0 and Pulga, are other real possibilities to claim the Fortnite crown. Could, however, Manchester City claim the illustrious honors? Skram and Hellfire will certainly hope so.
Fortnite Format
The Fortnite format takes on two different forms across the four days of competition. Zero Build – where building is disabled in this mode, but the Overshield is enabled – takes place on July 28 and 29, with competition taking place over 12 matches, 44 duos, and on a points-based system.
Duo Standard Battle Royal, using the standard set of rules, is scheduled for July 30 and 31, with competition commencing over 12 matches, 44 duos, and on a points-based system.
Gamers 8 recap
Gamers8 features elite esports teams competing across: Rocket League, Dota 2, Fortnite, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG MOBILE. A staggering $15 million prize pool is on offer. Gamers8 tournaments are broadcast live on the event channels in more than eight different languages.
In addition, big-name international artists, each of whom is guaranteed to captivate music lovers, are appearing at Gamers8 concerts alongside numerous local and regional talents each weekend throughout the event. Over 1,000 activities and attractions, such as comedy, cosplay, magic shows, and much more, are also on the Gamers8 entertainment agenda, which runs until September 8. Further details, including ticket sales, are available on the event website.