Fortnite Competitive Series 2026: Duos Make a Comeback, Over $10 Million in Prizes, and the Complete Format and Schedule
The Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS) returns for 2026 with an overhauled format, the exciting reintroduction of duos competition, and a jaw dropping prize pool exceeding $10 million.
Kicking off on January 31 with the FNCS Trial, this season sets duos on a path to glory through ranked divisions and online events, culminating in the ultimate showdown at the Global Championship.
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A Revamped Path to the Top in 2026
The journey to FNCS Division 1 is the pathway to elite competition. Here’s how duos advance:
- FNCS Trial (January 31): This opening event assigns duos to their initial Division based on performance.
- Divisional Cups: Ongoing qualifiers allow teams to climb the ranks throughout the season.
- Unlocking Division 1: Achieving this tier opens doors to the FNCS Major Play-In Stage and exclusive Division 1 Finals with dedicated prizing.
Reminder: Only EU and NAC feature Divisions 4 and 5 for deeper progression.
Three Epic Majors Per Region
Each of the seven global regions, Europe, NAC, NA West (NAW), Brazil, Asia, Oceania, and Middle East will host three Majors annually. These online powerhouses include:
- Play-Ins: The entry point for Division 1 duos.
- Heat Stage: Multi-session battles to narrow the field.
- Last Chance Qualifier: A last chance opportunity for those just outside the top spots.
- Major Finals: The crowning achievement, with results feeding into LAN invitations and Global qualification.
Strong showings in these Majors are your ticket to offline events and the world stage.
Straight Shots to the Global Championship via Majors
Excellence in Major 2 and Major 3 Finals delivers automatic invites to the Fortnite Global Championship.
Here’s the breakdown:
Major 2 Qualification Slots:
- Europe: Top 9 duos
- NAC: Top 6 duos
- NAW: Top 2 duos
- Brazil: Top 3 duos
- Asia: Top 2 duos
- Oceania: Top 2 duos
- Middle East: Top 2 duos
Major 3 Qualification Slots:
- Europe: Top 8 duos
- NAC: Top 5 duos
- NAW: Top 1 duo
- Brazil: Top 2 duos
- Asia: Top 1 duo
- Oceania: Top 1 duo
- Middle East: Top 1 duo
2026 Major Calendar
Major 1
- Play-Ins: April 6–7
- Heats: April 12, 18, 19
- Last Chance: April 20–21
- Finals: April 25–26
Major 2
- Play-Ins: July 20–21
- Heats: July 26, August 1–2
- Last Chance: August 3–4
- Finals: August 8–9
Major 3
- Play-Ins: September 21–22
- Heats: September 27, October 3–4
- Last Chance: October 5–6
- Finals: October 10–11
Spotlight on the FNCS Major 1 Summit (LAN Event)
The season’s first live event, the FNCS Major 1 Summit, invites duos from Major 1 Finals.
Regional allocations include:
- Europe: 20 duos
- NAC: 13 duos
- NAW: 3 duos
- Brazil: 5 duos
- Asia: 3 duos
- Oceania: 3 duos
- Middle East: 3 duos
The highest achievers here the top 5 duos overall secure early locks for the global championships.
November Showdown: The 2026 Fortnite Global Championship
All paths converge at the year’s pinnacle the Fortnite Global Championship LAN in November 2026. Fifty top duos from around the world will clash in 12 intense matches over two days, scored via the classic formula of placements plus eliminations.
Venue details are forthcoming so keep an eye on official Fortnite broadcasts and socials for the big reveal.
Since: October 29, 2025
