2022 marks the return of in-person events for Fornite’s biggest tornament of the year – The FNCS Invitational. In celebration, Swarovski is working with Epic Games to create a crystallised trophy fit for only the very best (or sweaty) crown holders.
The much-anticipated gaming event will will take place between November 12 and November 13 and will see top Fortnite players from across the world compete as duos. The prize? A share of a $1,000,000 prize pool, with the overall champions lifting this exquisite trophy crafted by Swarovski.
This is the first time the crystal house has created a trophy for an esports event, enabling Swarovski’s master craftspeople to showcase the creativity and innovation at the heart of the brand to create something entirely unique.
The trophy design is inspired by the distinctive FNCS logo, with a shield-shaped base set with bespoke heliotrope crystals featuring an iridescent colour-changing effect that transitions from purple to blue.
Throughout the trophy development phase, Swarovski created its photorealistic renderings using Unreal Engine – the real-time 3D creation tool used to develop Fortnite – allowing for quick and comprehensive evaluation of the design. Working from Swarovski’s manufacturing headquarters in Wattens, Austria, the team used multiple innovations, including laser plotting, fine grinding, and polishing, to ensure a flawless result. The final trophy measures 18 inches tall and weighs 15 pounds.
Developed by Epic Games, Fortnite is an online video game first released in 2017 which has since become a global sensation, amassing more than 400 million registered accounts worldwide. Over its years Fortnite has evolved to a place where culture lives and anyone can create their own games, watch films, play the iconic Battle Royale, and more. Swarovski is proud to be playing its part in Fortnite’s competitive scene and bringing its renowned savoir faire and excellence to such an important event in the gaming community.
The FNCS Invitational 2022 will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, on November 12 and 13, 2022. To learn more about the event, visit fn.gg/fncs.
