Bugha and more form Fortnite Professional Players Association

Olivia Richman Published 06/10/2019

Sixteen professional Fortnite players from North America and Europe have united to form the Fortnite Profesional Players’ Association, in hopes of better reaching out to Fortnite developer Epic Games.

The collective of Fortnite competitors have come together with the goal of providing a formal platform through which their voices can be heard. According to the official announcement, the FPPA want to express their thoughts and concerns about the battle royale’s future competitive scene, with the goal of having a “productive dialogue” with Epic Games.

The FPPA stated that their 16 board members consist of “the most renowned professional players in the scene,” including the reigning Fortnite World Cup solo champion Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf. These are the other 15 members, many of which are signed to large esports organizations:

NRG Zayt
100T Elevate
FaZe Megga
TSM ZexRow
Ghost Bizzle
SEN Bugha
Liquid Cented
CLG Leno
NRG Benjyfishy
E11 Boyer
LZR Rojo
Cooler Aqua
Khuna
Fnatic Motor
Solary Kinstaar
LeStream Skite

While the members are currently all from North America and Europe, the FPPA noted that they are looking to expand their board in the near future.

“We will be inviting more professional players to join the collective as regular members in teh coming weeks, so that we may reflect the voice of the entire Fortnite community,” reads the announcement.

Fortnite community’s constant complaints against Epic Games

The formation of the FPPA comes after years of frustration from Fortnite profesionals regarding game-changing bugs and streaming issues during tournaments, as well as constant changes to the game’s map and items. These changes sometimes happen in the midst of major tournaments with millions of dollars on the line.

Because of Epic’s lack of concern over the competitive community’s complaints in the past, many have called the creation of the FPPA a waste of time.

“The effect of this being a waste of time or not will only come in the future. If Epic really listens, it won’t be a waste. If they don’t do anything, like always, it will hold no value,” noted one Twitter user in response to those quickest to dismiss the FPPA and its ambitions.

Despite some negative reactions, pro gamer organizations have had positive results in the past. Professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players formed the CSPPA, which then successfuly fought for longer breaks between tournaments for players. The CSPPA is currently focused on getting fair minimum contract standards for all CSGO pros.

After Turney “Tfue” Tenney’s shocking contract details became public, it seems like Fortnite pros could benefit greatly from having the FPPA around, so long as it’s put to good use.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

View full profile