Epic Games' shocking hit title Fortnite spawned more than a new genre in video games. It gave competitive gaming a whole new mainstream pedestal, harnessed Twitch to become the primary tool for watching your favorite battle royale players live, and spawned hundreds of competitive gaming careers. In many ways, Epic Games has to thank these competitive players for their success because they make winning so easy and worth the insane number of hours per day of dedication. So it would be unfair not to recognize those who had a huge impact on the battle royale, dominating most of its 350 million player base.
Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf
Via ESPNIt's arguably the least surprising name on the list. Kyle "Bugha" Giersdorf quickly rose to fame when he became the winner of the inaugural Fortnite World Cup in 2019. Although mostly unknown to the Fortnite community at the time, Bugha came into the limelight in the first game of the World Cup. World, finishing first with nine eliminations. Throughout the cup, Bugha totaled 59 unimaginable points. To put it in perspective, second place finished with 33 points.
The movie-like story got him enough attention that it even granted him an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as well as a story on ESPN.com. The reigning champion has since stayed true to form, placing in the top 10 19 times in 27 tournaments. At 17, Bugha has collected an estimated net worth of over $ 4 million, and established relationships with other high-profile competitors, such as Ninja.
Tanner «Tfue» Tenney
Known as the bad boy of the Fortnite competitive scene, Tanner “Tfue” Tenney certainly doesn't allow outdoor drama to alter his battle royale skills. Although Tfue is one of the biggest streamers on Twitch, with over 8 million followers, his competitive game earns him a spot on this list. He's amassed nine tournament wins, but more importantly, his team made national headlines by scoring a record 53 PC combined eliminations in 2018.
Tfue has since shown a growing disdain for the game's constant changes, as he has chosen to play Call of Duty: Warzone a lot more. Although, as a testament to his level of talent, he recently returned to Fortnite in April 2020 to clinch two big tournament wins.
Kyle «Mongraal» Jackson
Via BlastingNewsIn all likelihood, most of those following the Fortnite ranks would say that Kyle "Mongraal" Jackson could certainly be the next to win the Fortnite World Cup. His talents first gained attention on Twitch, when he partnered with the streaming service at just 13 years old.
Mongraal has had a hot streak recently, with 23 top 10s in major tournaments. Last year turned out to be his best year to date, with a victory in the Duos competition of the European Luxe Cup 2019, a sixth place in the Duos World Cup, as well as a 13th place in the Solos portion of world Cup. In terms of competitive earnings, he raised over $ 550 at just 000 years old.
Wiliams "Zayt" Aubin
Via Essential SportsPerhaps the toughest Fortnite player is Williams "Zayt" Aubin. The Canadian juggernaut NRG eSports has participated in more than 40 tournaments, including 20 in the top 10.
Zayt didn't hit any major waves on the competitive scene until he landed six wins and a fourth place finish in the Duos portion of the World Cup, all just in 2019. He and his Duos partner, Saf , had many in awe during the World Cup, as they combined for 22 eliminations and a Victory Royale in one of the tournament's early stages. The two most notable wins include the 2019 Katowice Royale, Week 3 of the 2018 Summer Skirmish, and they also won the Scallywag Cup.
Benjyfishy fish from Benjy
Via ESPNAnother name under the NRG branch that poses a major threat to anyone starting Fortnite is the Benjy "Benjyfishy" fish. The European player is a relatively new player on the competitive scene, as his first big competition only took place in 2019. Although he has been as successful as those who play much longer.
The teenager has racked up 10 wins in major tournaments, with more than 32 top-10s. Due to his high level of play, the teenager has already become a millionaire. Considering that, don't be surprised when the youngster becomes a household name by 2021.
Tyler «Ninja» Blevins
Via ESPNMany Fortnite “historians” may not agree here, but Tyler “Ninja” Blevins always deserves consideration when it comes to bigger players. On the one hand, his curriculum vitae is much longer than the others. The 29-year-old amassed 7 battle royals, with more than 501 casualties, according to fortnitetracker.com. With just over $ 131 in earnings, it's understandable why Ninja has decided to forgo tournaments for the foreseeable future to focus on streaming.
The blue haired legend raised $ 30 million in an exclusive deal with Mixer (RIP) and has over 14,5 million Twitch followers who graciously donate and add to his net worth of $ 20 million. If Ninja returns to the competitive scene, expect millions of fans to stare at their screens, as they hope he can always dominate this new, young and ambitious wave of talent.