The $30 million Fortnite World Cup was a spectacular esports experience for fans and players alike. Here's what it was like to attend

Kevin WebbJul 30, 2019, 20:42 IST

Epic Games

The Fortnite World Cup took over Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City from July 26 to July 28.
"Fortnite" creator Epic Games offered more than $30 million in prizes to dozens of professional players, including a $3 million prize for the solo tournament at the World Cup.
Beyond the competition, thousands of fans got a chance to participate in a variety of outdoor games and activities spread across the sold-out stadium over the weekend.
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The Fortnite World Cup was an esports spectacle, transforming New York City's Arthur Ashe Stadium into an outrageous festival modeled after the world's most popular game.

Thousands of fans watched more than 200 players compete for $30 million in prize money provided by "Fortnite" creator Epic Games during the three-day event from July 26 to July 28. The weekend included a special performance by EDM artist Marshmello, a charity tournament featuring dozens of celebrities, and a wide array of outdoor games and activities for fans.

By the end of the weekend, the Fortnite World Cup turned eight professional players into millionaires and attracted tens of thousands of viewers on YouTube and Twitch. But attending the Fortnite World Cup in person was an amazing spectacle that will leave an impression on esports fans for years to come. Here's what it was like to be there:

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Thousands of 'Fortnite' fans packed into a sold-out Arthur Ashe Stadium for the Fortnite World Cup.

The stadium grounds were transformed into a massive fan festival with carnival games, interactive rides, and a game show for attendees.

Tons of costumed 'Fortnite' characters filled the festival, and fans were able to pose with their favorites.

Some of the festival activities were pretty intense, like this zip line that let you ride a 'Fortnite' glider.

A game show at the festival tested the players knowledge of 'Fortnite' in exchange for prizes.

The baller obstacle course let fans hop into a "zorb," a ball-shaped vehicle you can ride in 'Fortnite.'

Another event let 'Fortnite' fans duke it out on a balance beam in the style of "American Gladiators."

A shooting range featured replica Nerf weapons from 'Fortnite.'

Not everyone was in a rush to try all the activities. Some fans just took their time to enjoy the summer weather before the competition.

The inside of Arthur Ashe Stadium was completely transformed for the Fortnite World Cup, too.

Live video of every player was broadcast on huge monitors in the center of the arena, while broadcast announcers followed the action.

Thousands packed into the stadium to watch the World Cup Finals, and tens of thousands more watched live streams of the event online through YouTube and Twitch.

The stage included enough PC setups for 100 players to compete at once.

Tyler "Ninja" Blevins is the most well-known 'Fortnite' player in the world, but he didn't qualify for the main tournaments. Instead, he played in the Pro-Am and Creative events on Friday.

Ninja and Marshmello won the 2018 Fortnite Pro-Am tournament in Los Angeles last year, and they teamed up again at the Fortnite World Cup.

'Fortnite' pro Airwaks and EDM artist RL Grimes managed to defend their 2019 Pro-Am tournament win with another stellar performance at the Fortnite World Cup.

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