Fortnite: FNCS Invitational players to watch out for

We take a look at some compelling storylines and exciting solo players for the upcoming $2 million FNCS Invitational.

Epic Games dropped a bombshell of an announcement with an FNCS Invitational featuring all previously qualified FNCS finalists. The qualifications take into account the top players across all seven regions from Season X, Chapter 2 Season 1 and Chapter 2 Season 2. The amount of insanely talented players on this expansive list is seemingly endless. Some players who have retired in past seasons may even come back to see if they have anything left in the tank.

With so many exciting storylines coming into the tournament, we've decided to key in on a group of players who we feel are worth watching during the FNCS. Keep in mind that we could not include every player on this list, so instead, we tried to pick players with a lot to gain from a victory. With all that said, let's take a look at some narratives and outstanding players to watch for in the FNCS Invitational.

Bugha

The Fortnite World Cup Champion remains on top of the Fortnite competitive world after winning $3M USD — and gaining all the recognition that came with the territory. Since the World Cup, Bugha's struggled to maintain a positive mindset, given the current state of Fortnite. Yes, he still is undoubtedly one of the best players across all seven regions. Even so, controller players, stream snipers and general game performance have gotten him down. He's not alone considering those factors and adding how powerful the Mythic weapons are in Chapter 2 Season 2, which lend a significant advantage to those who possess them.

The FNCS Invitational is the perfect opportunity for Bugha to return to his former self. Although the mental aspect of Fortnite often creates issues for the World Champion, all of the best players endure hardships en route to greatness. Bugha's mechanics are untouchable in a sense. Still, he will need to keep himself composed if he is to perform well in the upcoming solo tournament. It will be interesting to see if Bugha decides to stream the competition considering his history of falling victim to stream sniping. It will be a critical decision for the World Champ.

Scoped

Landing here for Solo Tournament🎮 pic.twitter.com/9qS1RB2K6h

— Scoped (@Scoped) April 26, 2020

Fortnite Chapter 2 granted Fortnite fans with the emergence of one of NA East's best controller players. Scoped first gained attention when he and Tfue decided to move forward as a duo for future events and the Fortnite Champion Series. On top of Scoped's success in duos, he's an outstanding solo player to boot. The FNCS finalist achieved two Solo Cash Cup victories in Chapter 2 Season 2; and finished in second and fourth in two others.

Scoped's track record as a solo player and his efficiency with a controller sets him up perfectly for the FNCS Invitational. He has already qualified for round one of the tournament and claimed The Grotto as his landing spot. The Grotto will see a lot of action throughout the Invitational considering the presence of Heavy Snipers and the Brutus Minigun. Scoped possesses a skill set that is tailormade for success in solo tournaments, and he will need to put it all together for the Invitational.

Tfue

We all know that Fortnite has developed significantly since the days of Tfue and Cloakzy dominating the scene. Tfue, in particular, will go down as one of the best Fortnite players in history, considering his consistent performances over the last three years. The Twitch superstar has struggled quite a bit in solos since placing 67th at the Fortnite World Cup. Most of Tfue's struggles we can chalk up to his willingness to stream Solo Cash Cups — fully understanding the risks of encountering stream snipers.

Tfue, without a doubt, does not need any of the $2M USD prize pool offered in this tournament. Over the past three years, he's ascended to the heights of competitive Fortnite. He maintains a dedicated fanbase as a result. However, Tfue still possesses a competitive drive, and the FNCS Invitational could be his opportunity to find his way back to the top. He will likely stream the event and hopefully will do so with a delay. We cannot ignore the storyline of Tfue potentially reaching the Grand Finals and competing for a solo title as he did so many times back in 2018.

Dubs

On the heels of his public dressing down and subsequent discipline a few months ago from FaZe Clan, Dubs returned to form with a second-place finish in the Chapter 2 Season 2 Fortnite Champion Series. He and long-time duo partner Megga nearly secured victory until veterans Zayt and Saf came in and snatched first place. Dubs has been practicing in his downtime and maintained the skill set we are all so used to seeing. Dubs does not have much history to reference in Chapter 2 Season 2 from a solos standpoint. Still, the FaZe member's overall track record as a solo competitor is exceptional.

Dubs exhibits an understanding of Fortnite that ranks above many other professional players. His past success as a solo player makes him one of the favorites heading into the FNCS Invitational. He may or may not be landing at The Rig along with many other professional players, which could mean he will be fighting off spawn often. Regardless, Dubs is a winner and knows what he needs to do to find his way into the winner's circle.

Bizzle

After recently signing with FaZe Clan, Bizzle has been spending some time playing Valorant and Call of Duty Warzone. Chapter 2 Season 2 has affected him profoundly, much like the majority of the professional scene. In particular, he despises server performance and the current Flopper meta. The former of these two issues essentially cost Bizzle and duo partner Ceice a spot in the Chapter 2 Season 2 FNCS Grand Finals. However, we cannot merely ignore the accomplishments in Bizzle's career and his unique history as a solo player.

Av

You already know my spot pic.twitter.com/6ma4YoF5FG

— Av (@TwitchAv) April 24, 2020

Most casual fans likely won't recognize Av as one of the top Fortnite players, but he undoubtedly is. Av's been around the scene for a long time, rocking a controller the whole way through. He recently just came into some significant success, teaming with Chap formerly of Team Liquid for the Duos FNCS. He and Chap dominated The Grotto and used its loot to secure several Daily Duo Cup victories. Av was a bright spot of the duo with his outstanding clutch plays. Solos are a point of strength for Av as well, considering his history.

Av's Solo Cash Cup history includes at least two wins and several high finishes. He also competed at the DreamHack Anaheim Open and took 27th place. With a controller in his hand, Av is nearly untouchable. A solid performance in the FNCS Invitational will add even more legitimacy to his name. He will land at the Ski Resort above Misty Meadows for the upcoming event.

Khanada

Khanada is a polarizing competitive Fortnite player who’s personality almost supersedes his mechanical skills and game sense. He’s not one to shy away from trash talk, which makes it all the better when he triumphs in tournaments. Most of his success comes from solos where he’s won multiple Cash Cups. Even in Chapter 2 Season 2, Khanada’s managed multiple top 15 finishes in a meta most people wish could go away.

Major victories define players, and we know this because of the accomplishments of players like MrSavage and Bugha. Khanada lacks that one significant tournament win that would elevate his name to the next level. He has proven his ability as a solo player, but the FNCS Invitational is an entirely different animal. The Grand Finals, should he reach it, will feature an impressive lineup of players. Now is Khanada’s time to show that he is more than just a Cash Cup warrior. An FNCS Invitational victory would cement him in Fortnite’s history books.

That does it for our small glimpse into an otherwise loaded NA East region. You can fully expect the highest caliber of players to show up. The NA East winner will receive $100K USD for Grand Finals alone, along with the FNCS Axe of Champions and all the accolades that come along with being a champion Fortnite player.

Stay tuned to ESTNN for all of your competitive Fortnite news and updates heading into the FNCS Invitational!

Featured Image: Epic Games