The 2019 Australian Open is set to bring in more than tennis fans this year with the introduction of the inaugural Fortnite Summer Smash
What is set to be the largest Australian event in competitive gaming, the Fortnite Summer Smash will take place on the 26th and 27th of January during finals weekend at the Australian Open 2019.
Some of the countries top Fortnite players will be competing in a solos tournament of the Battle Royale sensation. A further 100 personalities from the sports, entertainment and gaming worlds will also be taking part in a ProAm tournament for a record $500,000 in combined prize money and charitable donations.
The director of the Australian Open Tournament, Craig Tilley spoke on the collaboration of Fortnite and the Australian Open.
"Fortnite is a global phenomenon, and we're excited to host the Grand Slam of competitive gaming events at the Australian Open in January. We’re proud of our reputation for delivering world-class events and are always looking at new opportunities to reach more people."
“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,” Tiley continued.
The Epic Games co-founder, Mark Rein, also spoke on the matter and expressed the excitement of Epic Games in seeing a high-profile collaboration of Fortnite and the sporting world in Australia.
“Participants and spectators are in for an exciting weekend of gaming!” said Rein.
If you're a fan or a player of Fortnite, you will have the opportunity to qualify for the event. On-site qualifying events will be taking place on Saturday January 26, and the winners of those events will be progressing into the Sunday final.
For more information on this and how to qualify for the event, including terms and conditions, check out the AusOpen website for additional information.
Interested in getting tickets for the event? Tickets for the Sunday finals start from $5 for children and are available to purchase right now.
GET YOUR TICKETS!
Some keen Australian Fortnite players have already confirmed that they will be appearing at the event.
One of Australia's top competitive gaming content creators, Kathleen Belsten, better known as "Loserfruit" has signed on to play the ProAm at the Fortnite Summer Smash. She will be joined by other Australian gamers, including Lachlan, Muselk, Lazarbeam and MrFreshAsian.
Whether you're a gamer or a tennis fan, the Australian Open this year is shaping up to be one to watch. Stay tuned for more information and updates on the Summer Smash. Starting on the 26th of January, this is one massive Australian gaming event not to be missed.
