The Australian Open is usually a tournament where tennis takes place, but this year fans can also participate in a special Fortnite competition.
As announced in a press release, Tennis Australia and Epic Games have teamed up in order to stage the first ever Fortnite Summer Smash at the Australian Open. The tournament will be held on January 26th and January 27th in Melbourne inside the Margaret Court arena.
A total of $500,000 is being given out to gamers with the first prize winner earning themselves a cool $100,000. All currency is in Australian dollars and it’s only open for Australian and New Zealand citizens. The prizes and points are as follows.
Points
Victory Royale: +3 Points
2nd-3rd Place: +2 Points
4th-10th Place: +1 Point
3-4 Eliminations: +1 Point
5-6 Eliminations: +2 Points
7+ Eliminations: +3 Points
Prizes
Solos:
1st place $100,000
2nd-3rd place $50,000
4th-6th place $25,000
7th-10th place $5,000
11th-15th place $3,000
16th-20th place $2,000
21st-100th place $1,000
Duos:*
1st place $50,000
2nd-3rd place $20,000
4th place $10,000
Below are some other criteria you have to follow in order to be eligible to participate in this tournament.
- Be 16 or older at the time of event
- Be a resident of Australia or New Zealand
- Have a valid ID and precinct entry
- Agree to the Fortnite Summer Smash at Australian Open event rules
- Use the on-site peripherals (mice/keyboard/controllers) provided.
“Fortnite is a global phenomenon, and we’re excited to host the Grand Slam of competitive gaming events at the Australian Open in January,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said. “We’re proud of our reputation for delivering world-class events and are always looking at new opportunities to reach more people.
“The Fortnite Summer Smash at the Australian Open will see some of the best gamers from around the country do battle just hours before the world’s best male tennis players compete for the AO title,” Tiley continued.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the fun of a competitive Fortnite event to fans and players in Australia,” said Epic Games co-founder Mark Rein. “Participants and spectators are in for an exciting weekend of gaming!”
If you don’t want to compete, other people are free to buy tickets to see the pros go at it at Fortnite. Due to the popularity of the game, it’s possible this could be a new annual event for gamers to partake in.
