ESL and FACEIT have announced a new esports circuit developed in the Unreal Editor for Fortnite, titled “ESL Featuring Fortnite.” This circuit will showcase game modes beyond Battle Royale.
ESL is reintroducing itself to Fortnite esports through a collaboration with UEFN developer 404 Creative, focusing on constructing competitive game modes such as Capture the Flag and Hardpoint.
The esports tournament organizer and 404 Creative will craft team-based game modes on Fortnite’s custom islands, featuring prominent esports organizations like Karmine Corp, Team Heretics, ZETA Division, Dignitas, and a “mystery Brazilian team.”
The inaugural map, Capture the Flag, is already available, and players can register to compete in weekly events through FACEIT.
“ESL ft. Fortnite presents a novel approach to competitive Fortnite, introducing an unprecedented team-based format. Leveraging the UEFN creator, this 4v4 experience will encompass multiple game modes: Capture the Flag, Hardpoint, and Shrinking Zone. Choose from six unique specialist roles (one per team) to align with your playstyle,” reads the Fortnite ESL website.
How this might intersect with the Esports World Cup remains uncertain.
It’s noteworthy that this new esports circuit lacks endorsement from Epic Games, which opted for BLAST over ESL and FACEIT to manage its primary competitive Rocket League and Fortnite circuits.
Esports insider Rod ‘Slasher’ Breslau suggested that the launch of the ESL circuit was prompted by Epic’s eleventh-hour decision to choose BLAST over the Saudi-backed organization. Brian Krämer, Senior Director of Game Ecosystems and Growth Titles at ESL/FACEIT Group, clarified that the organizer had been planning this project for some time.
“We’ve been eyeing UEFN for a while due to its potential. We decided to kick off with something popular among players across various shooter titles, making it more accessible. These modes promise intense competitive matches, particularly with the addition of team rivalries,” Krämer explained.
The future success of this esports circuit within a popular title remains uncertain.
