The Esports World Cup (EWC) Ft. Fortnite Grand Finals took place on Sunday, and it was XSET who emerged as the champions, defeating their North American rivals, Exceed. With a unique tournament format and stellar performances throughout, XSET proved their dominance in the Fortnite arena.
XSET’s Path to Victory
The EWC Ft. Fortnite tournament introduced a fresh twist to the usual Fortnite format, utilizing a 4v4 bracket play structure. Unlike the traditional battle royale mode, this series featured a map-by-map competition with game modes such as Capture The Flag, Hardpoint, and Keeper. Teams needed to win four games to claim the match, adding a strategic layer to the competition.
XSET's journey to the championship was marked by exceptional play. Entering the single-elimination bracket, XSET was among the top contenders alongside Team Falcons and Karmine Corp. However, it was Exceed who made headlines by eliminating both Falcons and Karmine Corp in back-to-back matches, showcasing their formidable teamwork and strategy.
Exceed's performance, particularly from player Kwanti, was impressive, especially their ability to combine tactics like dynamite and EMP to dismantle opponents. Despite their prowess, they faced a formidable challenge from XSET, who were undefeated with a 10-0 map win record heading into their semi-final against Heroic. Though Heroic managed to secure one map, XSET advanced to the Grand Finals with a decisive performance led by Cold.
The Grand Finals Showdown
In the Grand Finals, XSET faced off against Exceed in a highly anticipated North American showdown. The two teams, known for their fierce rivalry, had previously clashed at Dreamhack Dallas, where Exceed had bested XSET. This final was XSET's opportunity for redemption and to assert their dominance.
The series was tightly contested, with both teams trading wins over the first four maps. By Map 5, the score was tied 2-2. In a thrilling conclusion, XSET’s Ritual took center stage, delivering a standout performance with the sniper rifle and securing crucial kills. This momentum carried XSET through to Map 6, where they clinched the victory in the Keeper mode, sealing the series and the inaugural EWC Ft. Fortnite title. Remarkably, XSET only dropped three maps throughout the tournament.
Tournament Winnings and MVP Honors
XSET's victory came with a substantial reward, as they took home the top prize of $400,000 USD. Exceed, as runners-up, earned $160,000, while Karmine Corp and Heroic each received $80,000 for their top-four finishes.
The MVP of the tournament was awarded to Ritual, whose outstanding performance throughout the event was crucial to XSET's success. In a gesture of sportsmanship, Ritual announced in his post-game interview that he would be sharing his $50,000 MVP prize with his teammates, highlighting the team's camaraderie and collective effort.
XSET's triumph at the EWC Ft. Fortnite not only showcased their skill and strategic acumen but also established them as the leading force in this innovative tournament format.