In a thrilling conclusion to the Esports World Cup (EWC) Ft. Fortnite, XSET emerged as the champions after a commanding performance throughout the tournament. Their victory over North American rivals Exceed in the Grand Finals secured them the top spot and demonstrated their adaptability to the tournament's distinctive format.
The Unique Format of EWC Ft. Fortnite
Unlike traditional Fortnite competitions, the EWC Ft. Fortnite featured a unique 4v4 bracket play format. Teams faced off in a series of structured game modes, including Capture The Flag, Hardpoint, and Keeper. The competition was intense, with teams needing to win four games to claim victory in each match.
XSET's Road to the Championship
Entering the single-elimination Bracket Play, XSET was up against formidable opponents such as Team Falcons and Karmine Corp. However, it was Exceed who made a notable impression, defeating both Falcons and Karmine Corp in back-to-back matches to secure a spot in the Grand Finals.
Exceed's standout player, Kwanti, was particularly impressive throughout the tournament. His exceptional performance, combined with the team's strategic use of combos like dynamite and EMP, allowed them to overcome Karmine Corp in crucial Keeper maps.
On the other side, XSET faced Norway’s Heroic in a high-stakes battle leading up to the Grand Finals. Despite Heroic's efforts, XSET proved too strong, with a perfect 10-0 record on Map wins heading into the finals. A standout performance from Cold helped XSET clinch the series.
The Grand Finals: XSET vs. Exceed
The Grand Finals showcased a fierce North American rivalry between XSET and Exceed. Both teams were well-acquainted with each other, having faced off in previous finals. This rematch offered XSET a chance to settle scores from earlier tournaments, notably Dreamhack Dallas where Exceed had previously bested them.
The Grand Finals were a back-and-forth battle, with the series tied 2-2 after four maps. The decisive moment came on Map 5 Hardpoint, where Ritual's exceptional sniper skills led XSET to a crucial victory. With momentum on their side, XSET secured Map 6 Keeper and clinched the championship.
XSET's dominant performance was highlighted by their impressive stat of only dropping three maps throughout the tournament, solidifying their place as the top team in this unique format.
Prizes and MVP
XSET's victory came with a substantial reward: $400,000 USD, while Exceed took home $160,000 for their second-place finish. Karmine Corp and Heroic each earned $80,000 for their top-four finishes.
Ritual was named the tournament MVP for his standout performances and crucial plays. In a generous gesture, Ritual announced that he would share his $50,000 MVP prize with his teammates, underscoring the team’s spirit and camaraderie.
In summary, XSET's triumph at EWC Ft. Fortnite not only marked a significant achievement for the team but also showcased their ability to excel in a novel competitive format. Their victory over Exceed and overall dominance throughout the tournament set a high standard for future Fortnite competitions.