Kyle Giersdorf’s parents might never complain to him again about all those hours he’s spent online playingFortnite.
On Sunday, the 16-year-old Pennsylvania teen was named the greatest soloFortniteplayer in the world in the first-everFortniteWorld Cup Finals — an honor that earned him a grand prize of $3 million, the largest-ever payout for a single player in an esports tournament.
By comparison, Tiger Woods took home $2 million for winning the top prize at this year’s Masters. Wimbledon’s winners take home a little under $3 million.
“Words can’t even explain it right now. I’m so happy,” Giersdorf said after his win, according to video shared on competition’s official Twitter page. “Everything I’ve done, the grind, it’s all paid off. It’s just insane.”
“Today was indeed the day…” he wrote on Twitter, with a trophy emoji.
Mike Stobe/Getty
Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf.Eric Ananmalay/ESPAT Media/Getty
Giersdorf plays under the name “Bugha” for the Sentinels, an esports organization.
By comparison, second-place winner Harrison “Psalm” Chang, 24, finished with 33 points (winning $1.8 million). Third place winner Epikwhale, whose real name hasn’t been publicly revealed, was close behind at 32 points (winning $1.2 million).
TheFortniteWorld Cup Finals were held at New York City’s Arthur Ashe tennis stadium.
In addition to the solo tournament, the three-day event also awarded top honors in a duos tournament, an amateurs vs. pros competition, and a creative trials team square-off.
Over 40 million participants entered into the online competition back in April. After 10 weeks of online qualifying competition, the pool of gamers was reduced to the 100 top players,according to the game’s website.
More than 30 nations were represented, though the United States held the majority with 70 players.
The finals were broadcast live on Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and within the game itself.
Every player who participated in the games on Sundaytook home at least $50,000 for playing, CNN reported. In total, theFortniteWorld Cup finals offered a total of $30 million in prizes.
source: people.com
