Fortnite World Cup cancelled through 2021, FNCS return announced

Unfortunately, Fortnite esports in 2021 will look largely similar to Fortnite esports in 2020.

Epic Games outlined its plans for the game’s competitive scene next year and alas, those plans do not include in-person events. Notably, it will also feature the standardization of trio play after long bouncing between singles, duos, trios, and squads.

The Fortnite Championship Series will continue on in 2021 in an online setting. In an effort to create some stability in the scene, Epic Games will be standardizing trios in the FNCS “for the foreseeable future.” Epic noted that changes to the scoring and qualifier systems may come at some point. Regardless, Epic Games has clear plans regarding when the FNCS will return.

The FNCS is set to return for Chapter 2 Season 5 on February 4.

Is the 2021 Fortnite World Cup canceled?

Though plans can always change, Epic Games canceled the 2021 Fortnite World Cup. The decision stems from uncertainty surrounding the ongoing global health situation, which would likely make it very difficult to put together a global esports event.

“With so much still unknown about what is practical and safe, we do not plan to hold in-person events in  2021, including a Fortnite World Cup. We will continue to provide online competitions throughout 2021 with the hopes that physical events, in some form, can return at some point in the future,” Epic said in a statement.

This is a tough blow for Fortnite esports as the first Fortnite World Cup was one of the most-watched esports events in history. Millions watched the event on Twitch and YouTube, and competitors earned a chunk of the $30 million prize pool. World Cup solos winner Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf became an overnight sensation thanks to his victory in the event.

• Everything you need to know about Fortnite pro Bugha

Though nothing will serve as an effective substitute for the Fortnite World Cup, Epic is set to expand its esports offering for the game in 2021 to make up for its cancellation. This will include new weekly tournaments and Creator Cups.