Fortnite Summer Smash Is Coming To the Australian Open
By Zac Cameron ·
Combining one of the biggest events in Tennis with one of the biggest events in Fortnite should make for an exciting competition.
One of the biggest sporting events in Australia is about to get a little more awesome, as the Fortnite Summer Smash gets set to take place at the Australian Open Tennis Grand Slam later this month. Set to kick off during the finals weekend, the Fortnite Summer Smash is set to be a huge tournament, with the biggest prize pool in Australian competitive gaming history.
Similar to previous Fortnite tournaments, players will be able to register to compete in a solos tournament, with personalities and influencers participating in a ProAm duos competition. These two events combined will make up a record setting prize pool of $500,000 AUD (about $356,400 USD), with the winners of the solo competition taking home cash prizes, and the winners of the ProAm tournament able to donate their winnings to their chosen charity.
“Fortnite is a global phenomenon, and we’re excited to host the Grand Slam of competitive gaming events at the Australian Open in January,” said Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley. “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.”
This is set to be the first major crossover between mainstream sports and esports in Australia, with many hoping that the sporting spirit of the country can translate into competitive videogames in the future. Fans will be able to sign up for the event on the official Australian Open website from 12PM AEDT Wednesday 9 January on a first come first serve basis with the first 500 eligible entries receiving an invitation to compete in one of the qualifying heats.