Epic Games Strikes Three-Year Deal with EWC for Fortnite and Rocket League

Epic Games just made it official. Esports World Cup 2026 will feature Fortnite and Rocket League tournaments with Epic's full backing, marking a major shift from last year when both games competed at the event without the developer's endorsement.

The Esports World Cup Foundation announced the three-year partnership on December 17, bringing two of gaming's biggest titles under one competitive banner in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This isn't just another tournament deal, it's Epic's commitment to building a structured competitive ecosystem at what's already the world's largest esports event.

Fortnite Reload Gets the Spotlight

Here's where things get interesting. Instead of the traditional battle royale format, Epic's bringing Fortnite Reload Elite Series to center stage. For those who haven't jumped into Reload yet, it's a faster, more intense 40-player mode where squad coordination matters more than ever. The format rewards mechanical skill and duo synergy, making it a natural fit for high-stakes competition.

The road to Riyadh runs through a global online competition featuring Open Rounds, Play-Ins, Heats, and Finals. Each Final gets broadcast on Fortnite Competitive channels, and the performance there determines which duos earn their spot among the top 40 heading to the championship. Once they're in Riyadh, those teams battle for a share of a $1 million prize pool plus crucial Esports World Cup Club Championship points.

The total prize money across the entire Reload Elite Series hits $2.5 million, with $1.5 million distributed during the online qualifiers running from January through June 2026. To even enter, players need Elite rank or higher in Reload, an Account Level of at least 350, and tournament experience—they must have competed in 14 tournaments over the past six months.

What This Changes

The difference between 2025 and 2026 couldn't be clearer. Last year's EWC featured both Fortnite and Rocket League, but Epic Games didn't sanction or endorse those tournaments. Now they're not just involved—they're building a multi-year competitive ecosystem around these titles at the event.

"Fortnite has established one of the largest global player communities and continues to influence gaming, entertainment and digital culture far beyond the competitive space," said Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation. He emphasized how the partnership welcomes fans, pros, and creators to Riyadh, tapping into Saudi Arabia's massive Fortnite fanbase.

Rocket League Returns

While Epic and EWCF didn't drop specific details about Rocket League's competitive format for 2026, the game's officially confirmed for the event. Considering Karmine Corp took home the Rocket League EWC trophy in 2025 after beating Geekay Esports in the finals, expectations are already building for next year's tournament.

The timing works perfectly with Rocket League's packed 2026 calendar. The RLCS 2026 season kicks off with the Kick Off LAN in Copenhagen this December, followed by Majors in North America and Paris before the summer EWC event.

Financial terms of the Epic-EWCF deal weren't disclosed, but the partnership's scope speaks volumes about where competitive gaming's headed. With EWC 2026 taking place in Riyadh between July and August, both Fortnite and Rocket League communities have plenty of time to prepare for what's shaping up to be one of the biggest events in esports history.

Featured Image Credits: Esports World Cup

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