FNCS Major 1 Grand Finals Recap
The FNCS Major 1 Grand Finals, held over the weekend, has marked a vibrant start to Fortnite’s esports calendar for 2025.
This marked the first significant event of the year, where champions emerged from seven different regions.
A total of 33 teams competed fiercely for a slice of the impressive $2 million prize pool (around £1.5 million) and for the chance to qualify for the season’s Global Championship.
With the matches wrapped up, let’s take a closer look at the regional champions and the teams set to represent their areas at the upcoming championship in Lyon, France.
This year, the FNCS Major adopted a triad format, shifting away from last year’s duo competition.
Now, let’s dive into the highlights from each of the seven regions.
Regional Champions
EUROPE
In Europe, the trio featuring Vic0 from BIG, Veno from XSET, and Flickzy of AIGHT clinched the top spot, earning themselves a hefty prize of $180,000 (around £142,701) and a golden ticket to the Global Championship.
This powerhouse team demonstrated exceptional skill, dominating Group 3 and securing their place in the finals.
Following closely behind—despite finishing fourth in the group stages—was the second-place team of P1ng (AIGHT), Wox (Team HavoK), and Malibuca (Karmine Corp).
They showcased remarkable consistency to secure second in the finals, bringing home $120,000 (approximately £95,134) and also carving out a spot for the Global Championship.
Notably, both Malibuca and Merstach, former FNCS World Champions, found themselves separated in this event, with Malibuca finishing second and Merstach in fourth.
NA CENTRAL
Turning to NA Central, the triumphant trio of Ajerss, Acorn (from Dignitas), and Pollo walked away with $180,000 (roughly £142,701).
Their impressive performance came after finishing third in Group 3 during the qualifiers.
In the runner-up position, the team of Ritual (XSET), Cold (Twisted Minds), and Peterbot (Team Falcons) claimed a $76,500 (approximately £60,654) prize, also securing their ticket to Lyon.
Interestingly, both teams outperformed their earlier group results.
Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, the celebrated solo champion from the 2019 Fortnite World Cup, ended the finals in seventh place.
Event Highlights
NA WEST
Over in NA West, the finals bore witness to Bacca, Parz, and PXMP (2AM) claiming victory with a $45,000 (around £35,689) prize after previously placing fifth in Group 1.
Interestingly, the top teams from groups 1 and 2—Xpon, Resypical, and Krimz, alongside Phoenix, Creep, and Dom—struggled to find their rhythm in the finals, finishing in 25th and 16th, respectively.
Bacca, Parz, and PXMP emerged as the sole representatives from NA West for the upcoming Global Championship.
ASIA
The Asian competition featured an exciting prize pool of $90,000 (approximately £71,337), distributed among the top 15 teams.
The trio of Rise (Riddle), yuma (ZETA DIVISION), and Koyota (ZETA DIVISION) not only bagged the top cash prize but also secured the exclusive qualification spot from their region.
In a surprising twist, the winners of Major 1’s Group 1—ZeroKin (Sengoku Gaming), Larkpex (AJS), and DayDus (ENTER FORCE 36)—finished in 11th place, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the finals.
BRAZIL
The South American landscape for Fortnite continues to thrive, as evidenced by the FNCS Major 1 Grand Finals, which highlighted a host of rising talent.
The triumphant team of Fazer (ShindeN), Phzin (W7M Esports), and K1nG emerged victorious, earning $45,000 (approximately £35,689) and qualifying for the Global Championship.
MIDDLE EAST
In the Middle East, competition was fierce as 33 teams engaged in battle for their share of the $90,000 (around £71,337) prize pool.
The winning team—5aald (Glory Esports), FKS (Al Ula), and Hero (Al Ula)—not only secured the championship title but also the opportunity to represent their region on a global stage.
Remarkably, the champions from both Group 1 and Group 2, Kai, Rxtr, and Escdark, along with Hellonsteam, Vysi, and P5EK, finished far down the leaderboard in 21st and 29th places, respectively.
OCEANIA
Finally, Oceania witnessed intense competition for its $90,000 (approximately £71,337) prize pool.
The champion trio of Danath (Frantik Esports), Mace (Armour Esports), and Skits (Team Vanish) not only took home $27,000 (around £21,414) but also secured the final spot in the Global Championship.
LOOKING AHEAD TO FORTNITE ESPORTS
As the FNCS season continues, 2025 promises to be an exciting year with three major events culminating in the ultimate Global Championship.
With Major 1 now concluded, attention shifts to the divisional cups that will pave the way for Major 2.
These upcoming matches will determine which teams will advance to the group stage, leading to the climactic Grand Finals.
Mark your calendars, as FNCS Major 2 is set to kick off on April 9th, culminating in its Grand Finals on April 27th.
As the excitement mounts, the Fortnite community eagerly anticipates what’s next!
Source: Esportsinsider