BLAST to operate FNCS broadcast for entire 2022 season. $3 million in prize money. Competitive Fortnite is not done yet

Bryson Maddock

Bryson Maddock

Popular global esports entertainment network, ‘BLAST’, will be operating the Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) for all of 2022.

Since the success of the Fortnite World Cup, Epic Games has been running the Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS). The series takes place over multiple weeks during each Fortnite season, allowing players to compete against one another within their region for a hefty prize pool. Fortnite partnering up with BLAST for all of 2022 sets the stage for an exciting journey. FNCS 2022 could be a massive upgrade.

The beginning of FNCS

Fortnite starts its first champion series of 2022 today, February 17. This series provides a prize pool of $3,008,500. The competitive series will take place over three different weekends, this first weekend being the qualifiers.

This insight provides a promising look into the entirety of 2022 when it comes to Fortnite. This large prize pool already sets the bar high for future Fortnite tournaments.

The first Fortnite Champion Series was held back in 2019, directly after popular gaming star 'Bugha' won the Fortnite World Cup. Since then, Fortnite has held an FNCS every single season.

FNC 2022 Prize Pool per Region:

  • EU: $1,362,500
  • NAE: $637,500
  • BR: $418,000
  • NAW: $239,500
  • ASIA: $145,000
  • ME: $114,000
  • OCE: $92,000

(Source: EpicGames.com)

Despite talks of competitive Fortnite being on the decline, the prize pool from this season is $8,500 more than Fortnite's previous season, Chapter 2 Season 8, which had a prize pool of $3 million.

Working with BLAST for FNCS 2022

Fortnite's continuity with BLAST has helped them keep their ground within the competitive scene. Leo Matlock, MD for development at BLAST, weighed in on the partnership.

“We are delighted to be able to establish this year-long partnership with Fortnite", Matlock said. "BLAST has been able to build trust and a fantastic working relationship with the Fortnite Competitive team to create incredible experiences for the community."

"We loved every minute of FNCS All-Star Showdown and FNCS Grand Royale and have amazing plans for FNCS Chapter 3, which kicks off with Season 1 on February 17th where we have a record amount of content for fans to enjoy alongside our world-class production as the best in the world battle it out for over $3M in the prize pool."

BLAST is already a major tournament organizer in the professional CS:GO scene, with their 2022 season boasting a $2.5 million prize pool and over 300 hours of competitive CS:GO. Not to mention a Spring, Fall and World Finals taking place offline.

The announcement of BLAST's long-term involvement in FNCS 2022 bodes well for the Battle Royale title in need of a fresh approach.

Fortnite is starting the year off strong. The tournament will be viewable through Fortnite's Twitch channel.