NHL announces $200,000 charity Fortnite tournament

You may not be able to see hockey on ice… but you can watch your favorite NHL players duke it out on the battlefield next week

Fortnite has just announced yet another major partnership within the mainstream media realm: the National Hockey League. As coronavirus plagues the world of live sport entertainment, digital entertainment is being consumed at exponential rates… and on Monday, the NHL will have an epic crossover with our beloved game (pun intended)

The NHLPA is proud to announce the #NHLPAOpen featuring Fortnite!

Over 60 players will unite May 18 as Trios to compete for $200K in charity prizing.

Everything you need to know ?? https://t.co/2zEjS33ONQ pic.twitter.com/vMJEUWskoj

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) May 15, 2020

Who will be in attendance?

Well, as the name suggests, the event is exclusive to NHL players only. Unlike February’s streamer bowl, which featured both NFL pros and Fortnite creators, the NHLPA event will only comprise the former. Breakout league players such as J.T. Compher will link up with their teammates for a stab at the $200,000 charity pool

Compher will be playing with Colorado teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Matt Nieto, while Hyman will lend his gaming expertise from the sidelines as colour commentator. Other notable player participants include Sebastian Aho, Thomas Chabot, Johnny Gaudreau, William Karlsson, Clayton Keller, Travis Konecny, Mitch Marner, Bryan Rust and Alex Tuch, noted by the NHLPA

When and where?

The NHLPA Fortnite event is a part of ESPN’s larger #oneteam initiative - an effort to bring the greater sports community together during these trying times. Tune into ESPN’s Twitch stream (found here) this Monday (May 18th) between 2-5PM Eastern

?? @FortniteGame x @NHLPA ??

Join us on Monday, May 18 at 2 p.m. ET to watch some of the best from the NHL battle it out at the #NHLPAOpen!

??: https://t.co/tkRMYxyL6s pic.twitter.com/PBO4i0Dioq

— ESPN Esports (@ESPN_Esports) May 15, 2020

Similar to previous Pro-Am and Am tournaments, we expect for there to be a high skill gap between NHL players. Expect some interesting results since there are absolutely no pro players allowed in this event

From a viewer’s perspective, I see this going a few ways. If you’re a fan of the NHL, this event is going to be pure gold. If you’re not so much into sports and love those stacked Fortnite end games, this event pace might not be your cup of tea

Regardless, any mainstream coverage of Fortnite is a plus for the community. More exposure opens up countless opportunities, so make sure to tune in and support your favorite players!

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