Epic Games is setting the stage for an exhilarating 2026 with the announcement of the Fortnite Reload Elite Series. This high-stakes competition will culminate at the Esports World Cup (EWC) with an enticing prize pool of $2.5 million (~£1.86m). The Reload Elite Series promises to deliver thrilling action and fresh challenges for players worldwide.
Fortnite Reload Elite Series Unveiled
The series, part of a collaboration with the Esports World Cup Foundation, will spotlight both Fortnite and Rocket League at the upcoming event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The competition centers around Fortnite’s Reload mode, a dynamic 40-player battle royale featuring respawns, ensuring non-stop action and strategic gameplay. Reports suggest the series will kick off with qualifiers from January to June, each divided into four distinct stages.
Each qualifier starts with Open Rounds and progresses to Play-Ins, leading to intense heats and a grand finale. Regional top performers will earn their spots in the Finals, striving for a chance to compete at the EWC. The first qualifier launches on January 8th, with the Finals set for February 8th, 2026.
Fortnite Heads to EWC 2026
The Reload Elite Series will distribute $1.5 million across the regions, with top EU winners potentially claiming $30,000. An additional $1 million prize pool will be available at the world championship. This marks Fortnite’s return to the global esports stage after missing the 2025 edition of the EWC.
Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, highlights Fortnite’s cultural impact and praises its competitive resurgence at the EWC. The event will also feature Rocket League alongside 20 other titles, reflecting a robust and diverse lineup supported by the Saudi Arabian government.
As the gaming community gears up for this landmark event, the Reload Elite Series promises to elevate Fortnite’s competitive scene to new heights.