Once a vibrant hub for Fortnite esports, Oceania was home to dozens of organisations that nurtured local talent and kept the region connected to the global competitive scene. Over the past few years, however, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with many orgs either downsizing or shutting down completely.

Why the Scene Struggled

Several factors have contributed to this decline:

• Financial Pressure: With fewer sponsors and smaller markets compared to North America and Europe, OCE orgs often lacked the funding to keep operations sustainable.
• Competitive Disadvantages: Fewer international opportunities, and limited prize pools made it harder for OCE players to break through on the global stage.
• Shrinking Infrastructure: As tournaments slowed and revenue streams dried up, fewer organisations could justify staying in the game.

A Beacon of Resilience

Not all hope is lost. JFT Esports, founded in 2021, has stood out as an example of resilience. By balancing competitive goals with content creation and community engagement, JFT has managed to remain active while many others have folded. Their adaptability shows that there’s still room for growth in OCE, if orgs are willing to innovate.

The Road to Revival

For OCE Fortnite to bounce back, stakeholders may need to rethink the model:

• New Revenue Streams: Beyond tournament winnings, orgs could lean into merchandise, creator partnerships, and unique content.
• Community First: Strong local engagement is key to building loyalty and developing the next wave of players.

Looking Forward

While the past few years have been tough, the passion for Fortnite in OCE hasn’t gone away. With smarter strategies and stronger community support, the region has the potential to rebuild its competitive scene and once again showcase the talent that made OCE a respected part of Fortnite’s global esports story.

‍