Epic Games has officially announced the Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS) 2026, revealing major changes to the competitive format, a massive prize pool increase, and three live international events scheduled throughout the year .
The announcement, made on February 20, 2026, confirms that FNCS 2026 will feature a $8 million total prize pool—a significant increase from previous years—and a completely restructured competitive calendar designed to give more players opportunities to compete at the highest level .
With Chapter 7 in full swing, Epic is pivoting toward a more global, accessible competitive ecosystem. Here’s everything announced for the Fortnite Championship Series 2026.
$8 Million Prize Pool & Format Changes
The biggest news from the announcement is the increased prize pool and completely revamped competitive format.
FNCS 2026 Prize Pool Breakdown
| Event Stage | Prize Pool | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| FNCS Major 1 (Brazil) | $2 million | Top regional performers |
| FNCS Major 2 (Japan) | $2 million | Top regional performers |
| FNCS Major 3 (Sweden) | $2 million | Top regional performers |
| FNCS Global Finals | $2 million | Major winners + points leaders |
| TOTAL | $8 million | – |
Three Live International Majors
For the first time, FNCS 2026 will feature three in-person major events across three continents, culminating in a Global Finals.
Major 1: São Paulo, Brazil (April 2026)
The season kicks off in São Paulo, Brazil from April 17-19, 2026. Brazil has long been one of Fortnite’s most passionate regions, and hosting a Major there recognizes the incredible fan base in South America. Top teams from Americas regions will compete for the first $2 million prize pool and direct qualification to the Global Finals .
Major 2: Tokyo, Japan (July 2026)
The second Major heads to Tokyo, Japan from July 10-12, 2026. Asia has seen explosive growth in Fortnite’s competitive scene, and Tokyo will showcase the best teams from Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The event will be held at a major Tokyo venue with live audience .
Major 3: Jönköping, Sweden (September 2026)
The final Major returns to Fortnite’s European roots in Jönköping, Sweden from September 18-20, 2026. Sweden has hosted some of the biggest esports events in history, including multiple DreamHack festivals. European teams will battle for the final $2 million prize pool and last chance to qualify for the Global Finals .
Global Finals & Qualification System
The FNCS 2026 Global Finals will take place in November 2026 at a location to be announced . The $2 million finals will feature:
- Winners of each Major (automatic qualification)
- Top points earners across the entire FNCS season
- Regional representatives from all competitive regions
Qualification works as follows:
- Open Qualifiers: Any player can compete in weekly open qualifiers
- Regional Finals: Top performers advance to regional finals
- Majors: Regional final winners compete at live Majors
- Global Finals: Major winners and points leaders compete for the championship
This system creates multiple paths to the Global Finals, rewarding both consistency and peak performance.
Chapter 7 Competitive Changes
FNCS 2026 will be played entirely on Chapter 7 mechanics and map, with specific competitive rulesets designed to balance spectacle and fairness .
Competitive Settings
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Builds | Enabled (Standard Battle Royale) |
| Zero Build | Separate competitive circuit announced for 2027 |
| Loot Pool | Curated competitive loot pool (reduced RNG) |
| Match Count | 12 matches per final stage |
| Scoring | Placement-heavy with kill bonuses |
Epic confirmed that a Zero Build FNCS circuit is in development for 2027, responding to the massive popularity of the mode .
New Competitive Features
- Pick/Ban System: Being tested for future implementation
- Live Spectator Mode: Enhanced production tools for broadcasters
- Player Cams: Individual player cameras during live events
- Real-time Stats: In-broadcast statistics and analytics
