The coronavirus pandemic has seen many trade shows, meet-ups, and conventions cancelled this year, but the lack of in-person events is set to continue into 2021. Epic Games confirmed Fortnite tournaments will continue to be online-only events next year.
The Fortnite Team made the announcement late last week, stating, "Our intent is to eventually hold global in-person tournaments again, but our priority for any such event is the health and safety of our players and staff. With so much still unknown about what is practical and safe, we do not plan to hold in-person events in 2021, including a Fortnite World Cup. We will continue to provide online competitions throughout 2021 with the hopes that physical events, in some form, can return at some point in the future."
With multiple vaccines currently going through the process of being approved and used, 2021 looks set to be the year where the pandemic hopefully comes to an end. However, right now nobody knows how quickly vaccination of entire populations can happen, therefore planning large gatherings of people isn't wise or viable.
The Fortnite Championship Series Invitational (FNCS) competition will continue through 2021 with Trios being the standardized party size. And with Fortnite Chapter 2 - Season 5 just having been released, the Chapter 2 - Season 5 FNCS is scheduled for Feb. 4. More information about the competition is expected in January.
Epic is also planning "more weekly tournaments, unique tournaments, and Creator Cups throughout the year." So even though competitive Fortnite players can't meet, there will certainly be enough action to keep them busy.