Ever since the game’s release in 2017, Fortnite has created one of the most prolific, ever-changing, and popular esports scenes of all time.
Players such as Bugha or Mongraal, aged 16 and 13 when they competed in their first World Cup, have become icons of the Fortnite competitive scene. They are regarded as some of the top-earning—and youngest—esports professional players due to their endless list of victories and top finishes within the Fortnite esports scene.
Over the years, Fortnite esports has evolved into a scene that is producing more and more talented professional players—including veterans who have stayed on top over the years, but also newcomers who are bound to make headlines in the years to come.
These are the best professional Fortnite players of all time.
Jannis “JannisZ” Matwin
Jannis “JannisZ” Matwin is a 16-year-old German player. After his victories in the Chapter Two, season five FNCS and the Chapter Two Season Invitational, JannisZ has consolidated his reputation as one of Europe’s top players—a particularly impressive feat since Europe is considered the strongest region in the game.
In 2022, this competitor continues to compete, with his most recent placing being a qualification for the Queasy Cup.
Jack “Jahq” Downs
While most top Fortnite players have already reached the $1 million in earnings milestone, Jahq is among the few top players who haven’t.
Jahq is known as a jack-of-all-trades player in competitive Fortnite and was recognized by the community as one of the most prolific players of 2021. He got his spotlight during Chapter Two, season two with his duo partner Acorn, later claiming a third-place finish in the FNCS Invitational. In 2022, Jahq has continued to compete in Fortnite, placing in different Cups from the game.
Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf
Bugha is without a doubt the most famous Fortnite player of all time.
He was the winner of the 2019 Fortnite World Cup and the absolute star of the event, so much so that he caught the attention of the general media and his face appeared in newspapers and magazines all over the world, bringing the esports industry forward to many who weren’t even familiar with the term.
Bugha has proven his World Cup feat wasn’t a one-hit wonder and he’s amassed a number of top-five finishes in most major competitions. Today, Bugha is known as the highest-earning Fortnite player of all time, with more than $3 million in tournament winnings, and is considered one of the best Fortnite players of all time. In 2022, he continues to participate in different Fortnite competitions.
Shane “EpikWhale” Cotton
EpikWhale is one of the top earners in competitive Fortnite. After coming in third in the solo event and 12th in the duos portion at his World Cup debut in 2019, he’s made a name for himself in FNCS tournaments, where he was a part of the team that won the Chapter Two, season five NA West grand finals. Although he’s a lot less present in the media than Bugha, EpikWhale has earned more than $1.5 million in his career.
EpikWhale plays for TSM in 2022 and continues to compete in different competitions, like the Solo Cash Cup.
Martin “MrSavage” Foss Andersen
MrSavage, along with his duo partner benjyfishy, is one of Europe’s top competitive players. Qualifying for both duos and solos led him to a finish in 14th place at the 2019 World Cup, but he is known to be at his best when performing in duos.
MrSavage is only 17 years old and has already played for three top esports organizations, including NRG Esports, 100 Thieves, and the current Become Legends. As part of the latter, MrSavage won major tournaments such as DreamHack Anaheim 2020.
In 2022, MrSavage continues to compete in different competitions in Fortnite.
Brodie “Rehx” Franks
Rehx is one of the top players in the North American region. He has participated in numerous competitions and now plays for 100 Thieves. His biggest prize is $12,000, which might seem insignificant compared to the stats of other players on this list, but he makes up for it with a seemingly endless list of victories—which include many Trio Cash Cups, a DreamHack Open, and two FNCS titles.
He hasn’t been active on social media for some time, but he still is listed as working with 100 Thieves.
Lucas “Dukez” Cardenas
Lucas “Dukez” Cardenas is a professional esports player and Twitch streamer who continues to produce content and compete in 2022. He used to play for Dignitas, but he no longer does. His most recent competition was the Queasy Cup, where Dukez came in fourth place, showing his skill in the game.
