Fortnite Champion Series Global Championship - 2023 - Official Rules
1. Introduction and Acceptance
1.1 Introduction
These Fortnite Champion Series Global Championship - 2023 - Official Rules (“Rules”) govern all stages of the Fortnite Champion Series Global Championship - 2023 (“FNCS Global Championship” or “Event”).
These Rules have been designed to ensure the integrity of competitive play of Fortnite (the “Game”) in connection with the Event, and are intended to promote vigorous competition and to help ensure that all competitive play of the Game is fun, fair, and free from Toxic Behavior (as defined below).
These Rules may be translated into other languages. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between any translated version of these Rules and the English version of these Rules, the English version shall prevail, govern and control.
1.2 Acceptance
To participate in the Event, each player must agree (or, if a Minor (as defined below), such player’s Guardian (as defined below) must agree on such player’s behalf) to follow these Rules at all times, including the Code of Conduct in Section 8. A player (or, if a Minor, such player’s Guardian) may accept these Rules by completing and signing the FNCS Global Championship Player Participation Form (“Player Participation Form”) provided by Event Administrators (as defined below). By participating in any game or match that is part of the Event, a player is confirming that he or she (or, if a Minor, his or her Guardian) has accepted these Rules pursuant to this Section 1.2.
These Rules also apply to each player’s Guardian. Participation in the Event by a player is conditioned on the acceptance of these Rules by the Guardian of such player.
1.3 Enforcement
Epic Games, Inc. (“Epic”) will have primary responsibility for enforcing these Rules for all players at the Event and may, working with the Event Administrators, impose sanctions on players or Guardians for violations of these Rules, as further described in Section 9.
1.4 Amendments
Epic may update, revise, change, or modify these Rules from time to time. For each player, his or her participation in the Event after any update, revision, change, or modification to these Rules will be deemed acceptance by such player (or, if a Minor, such player’s Guardian) of these Rules as updated, revised, changed, or modified.
2. Event Structure
2.1 Definition of Terms
2.1.1 Elimination
An occurrence where one player entirely depletes the HP and Shield (if any) of another player. Subject to Section 7.1.2, elimination credit is determined by (a) the action feed located at the bottom left corner of the gameplay screen, and (b) the UI illustrating the total number of eliminations earned during a single match; provided, that, in no event shall elimination credit be awarded to a player for any portion of a match following such player’s elimination.
2.1.2 Event Administrator
Any Epic employee or member of the admin team, broadcast team, production team, event staff, or anyone else otherwise employed or contracted for the purpose of running the Event (including, without limitation, BLAST ApS (“BLAST”)). Players must follow instructions of Event Administrators at all times. In the event of a dispute, the Event Administrator has the final decision.
2.1.3 Game Mode
A specific ruleset, set of gameplay elements, or win conditions for a given match. Game modes can be very broad and may or may not differ from one match to the next. Event Administrators will explain the specific parameters for each game mode before the beginning of a match.
2.1.4 Match
A single instance of competition within the Game that is played until a player or team either achieves a Victory Royale (as defined below) or certain victory conditions are otherwise met.
2.1.5 Placement
A player ’s or team’s time spent in play in a match, relative to that of other players or teams in such match, prior to being eliminated. Placement rank is illustrated in the UI after being eliminated.
2.1.6 Session
A set of matches that is played until a winner or multiple winners are determined by one of the following methods: (a) completion of a set number of matches or (b) completion of a set time period.
2.1.7 Victory Royale
An occurrence where a player or team meets the victory conditions of the current game mode of the match being played. Typically, this refers to obtaining a first place placement finish.
2.2 Schedule - All Final Times Listed in Game
2.2.1 October 9-10: Player Arrivals
2.2.2 October 10-11: Media Days
2.2.3 October 12: Rehearsal/Practice
2.2.4 October 13: Upper Bracket
2.2.5 October 14: Lower Bracket
2.2.6 October 15: Grand Finals
2.3 Rescheduling
Epic and/or Event Administrators may, in its/their sole discretion, reorder the schedule and/or change the date or time for any player arrival, media day, match, or session of the Event (or change any game mode to be played in connection therewith). However, if the Event schedule is so modified, Epic and/or Event Administrators will inform all players at its earliest convenience.
2.4 Event Format - Stage 1: Upper Bracket
2.4.1 Format
For the first stage of the FNCS Global Championship (“Stage 1” or “Upper Bracket”), all eligible players on a Duos team (as determined by Epic in accordance with these Rules) must have advanced from FNCS Major 1, FNCS Major 2, or FNCS Major 3.
For the Upper Bracket, teams will compete in a single session that will last approximately three (3) hours, with a new match starting approximately every forty (40) minutes. Teams may participate in a maximum of five (5) matches during the Upper Bracket session. Teams will earn points based on the scoring system listed in Sections 2.7.1 and 2.7.2 (as applicable). If a team fails to queue for the playlist and/or misses the start time for a given match, it will be considered to have finished in (or tied for) last place with zero eliminations for that missed match.
At the conclusion of the Upper Bracket session, and subject to the terms and conditions herein, the top 25 point earning teams on the Upper Bracket Leaderboard will advance to the final stage of the Event (“Stage 3” or “Grand Finals”). The bottom 25 point earning teams on the Upper Bracket Leaderboard will be relegated to the second stage of the Event (“Stage 2” or “Lower Bracket”).
2.5 Event Format - Stage 2: Lower Bracket
2.5.1 Format
For the Lower Bracket, all eligible players on a Duos team (as determined by Epic in accordance with these Rules) must have either (a) advanced from the FNCS Last Chance Major, or (b) been relegated from placing 26th - 50th in the Upper Bracket Leaderboard.
For the Lower Bracket, teams will compete in a single session that will last approximately three (3) hours, with a new match starting approximately every forty (40) minutes. Teams may participate in a maximum of five (5) matches during the Lower Bracket session. Teams will earn points based on the scoring system listed in Sections 2.7.1 and 2.7.2 (as applicable). If a team fails to queue for the playlist and/or misses the start time for a given match, it will be considered to have finished in (or tied for) last place with zero eliminations for that missed match.
At the conclusion of the Lower Bracket session, and subject to the terms and conditions herein, the top 25 point earning teams on the Lower Bracket Leaderboard will advance to the Grand Finals. The bottom 25 point earning teams on the Lower Bracket Leaderboard will be eliminated from the Event, and, subject to the terms and conditions herein (including, without limitation, Section 2.8.2), will be awarded prizes as set out in Section 2.8.1.
2.6 Event Format - Stage 3: Grand Finals
2.6.1 Format
For the Grand Finals, all eligible players on a Duos team (as determined by Epic in accordance with these Rules) must have advanced as listed in Section 2.4 or 2.5.
For the Grand Finals, teams will compete in a single session that will last approximately three (3) hours, with a new match starting approximately every forty (40) minutes. Teams may participate in a maximum of six (6) matches during the Grand Finals session. Teams will earn points based on the scoring system listed in Sections 2.7.1 and 2.7.2 (as applicable). If a team fails to queue for the playlist and/or misses the start time for a given match, it will be considered to have finished in (or tied for) last place with zero eliminations for that missed match.
At the conclusion of the Grand Finals, and subject to the terms and conditions herein (including, without limitation, Section 2.8.2), the top point earning teams as listed on the Grand Finals Leaderboard will be awarded prizes as set out in Section 2.8.1.
2.7 Scoring System - Upper Bracket, Lower Bracket, and Grand Finals
2.7.1 Leaderboard Scoring
Placement
Victory Royale: 65 Points
2nd: 56 Points
3rd: 52 Points
4th: 48 Points
5th: 44 Points
6th: 40 Points
7th: 38 Points
8th: 36 Points
9th: 34 Points
10th: 32 Points
11th: 30 Points
12th: 28 Points
13th: 26 Points
14th: 24 Points
15th: 22 Points
16th: 20 Points
17th: 18 Points
18th: 16 Points
19th: 14 Points
20th: 12 Points
21st: 10 Points
22nd: 8 Points
23rd: 6 Points
24th: 4 Points
25th: 2 Points
Each Elimination: 4 Points
Mid Match Objectives
Team captures a Forecast Tower POI: 3 points
Team captures the Rift Loot Island POI: 15 points
2.7.2 Tiebreakers
Tiebreakers will be determined in the order presented here: (1) total points scored; (2) total Victory Royales in the session; (3) average eliminations in the session; (4) average placement per match in the session; and finally (5) total seconds survived across all matches.
2.8 Prizes
2.8.1 Grand Finals
Subject to Section 2.8.2, the following prizes will be awarded to each team (divided evenly between the participating players on a team) based on its placement within the Leaderboard at the conclusion of the Grand Finals Day 2 session.
Event Prizes - Global Championship
Rank Prize
1st $1,000,000
2nd $650,000
3rd $400,000
4th $300,000
5th $200,000
6th $150,000
7th $120,000
8th $100,000
9th $80,000
10th - 15th $50,000
16th - 20th $30,000
21st - 25th $20,000
26th - 30th $18,000
31st - 35th $16,000
36th - 40th $14,000
41st - 45th $12,000
46th - 50th $10,000
51st - 75th $4,000
2.8.2 Prize Restricted Regions
NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING OR ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THESE RULES TO THE CONTRARY, IF YOU ARE AN INDIVIDUAL RESIDING IN TURKEY OR RUSSIA (EACH, A “PRIZE RESTRICTED REGION”), YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE (AND IF A MINOR, YOUR GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES) THAT YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR NOR ENTITLED TO WIN ANY PRIZES IN CONNECTION WITH THE EVENT.
2.8.3 Prizing Information
Only the highest scoring players who do not otherwise reside in a Prize Restricted Region (as determined by Epic pursuant to this Section 2.8.3) will be eligible to receive the applicable prizes set forth in Section 2.8.1 (“Winning Players”). No other player with a score lower than the Winning Players or residing in a Prize Restricted Region shall be, at any time or under any circumstances, entitled to win any prizes in connection with the Event.
For clarity, prizes are awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied. Prizes are not transferable or assignable and cannot be transferred by Winning Players. Non-cash prizes (if any) cannot be redeemed for cash. All prize details are at the sole discretion of Epic. Winning Players are not entitled to any surplus between actual retail value of prize and approximate retail value and any difference between approximate and actual value of the prize will not be awarded. Winning Players are responsible for any costs and expenses associated with prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided. Winning Players may not substitute a prize, but Epic reserves the right, at its sole discretion, in case of justified reasons, to substitute a prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value. Additional terms and conditions may apply to acceptance and use of a prize.
Potential Winning Players will be notified by Epic of their status as a potential Winning Player at the email address associated with such players’ Epic Games Account (“Epic Account”) within 30 days of completion of the applicable Event session, or such other time as reasonably required by Epic for such notification, and will be subject to verification of eligibility pursuant to Section 3 and compliance with these Rules. Potential Winning Players must keep the Epic Account that they used to compete in the Event active throughout the verification of eligibility process.
Upon formal notification from Epic, a potential Winning Player shall have 45 days from the date such notice was emailed to respond and provide any information or materials requested by Epic, including the Release (as defined below) for purposes of verification of eligibility pursuant to Section 3. Such response from a potential Winning Player must be delivered to the email address from which Epic’s notification was sent or, at Epic’s sole option, another email address specified in the notification. The date of receipt by Epic shall be decisive for a potential Winning Player’s compliance with the deadlines set forth in this Section 2.8.3.
In the event of (a) the failure by any such player to (i) keep the Epic Account that such player used to compete in the Event active throughout the verification of eligibility process or (ii) timely respond to any notification or request for materials or information; or (b) any such player being unable to accept or receive the prize for any reason (including, without limitation, for participating in the Event on, or attempting to complete the verification of eligibility process with, an Epic Games Cabined Account (“Cabined Account”), or for failure to provide the necessary tax and payment information through Epic’s approved tax and payment processing vendors), then in either case (items (a) or (b)), such player shall be disqualified as a potential Winning Player, and such player shall not be entitled to win any prizes in connection with the Event. In such cases, no alternate Winning Player will be named, and Epic shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to (y) award any prize amounts that would have otherwise been awarded to such disqualified player as part of a future Game competitive event or (z) award any such prize amounts to non-profit causes and efforts. A Winning Player will only be announced once the verification of eligibility process has been completed by Epic pursuant to these Rules.
Winning Players will also be required to provide certain payment information to Epic, including any required tax information forms, in order to receive the prizes. Epic may withhold payment of the prizes if the Winning Player fails to provide the applicable payment forms to Epic in a timely manner.
PRIZES ARE SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE INTERNATIONAL, FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INCOME AND WITHHOLDING TAXES) AND IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH WINNING PLAYER TO (I) CHECK WITH SUCH WINNING PLAYER’S LOCAL TAX ADVISOR TO DETERMINE WHICH TAXES APPLY TO SUCH WINNING PLAYER AND (II) PAY SUCH TAXES TO THE APPROPRIATE TAX AUTHORITY. It is Epic's policy to withhold tax at the backup withholding rates in effect for US and non-US residents. Prize income and tax withholding will be reported on forms (y) 1099-MISC for US residents and 1042-S for non-US residents, and (z) any other relevant tax forms as may be required by applicable law.
Epic will determine the payment method for the prizes in its sole discretion and, except as otherwise required by applicable law, all payments will be made directly to the Winning Player in such Winning Player’s capacity as an individual (or, if a Minor, to the Winning Player’s parent or legal guardian). For the avoidance of doubt, no prize payments will be made by Epic to any organization, company, or other entity. Each Winning Player will be provided a Prize Acceptance and Release Form (“Release”). Unless restricted by applicable law, each Winning Player (or, if a Minor, such Winning Player’s Guardian) will be required to complete and submit the Release in accordance with the deadlines set forth in this Section 2.6.3.
1. Introduction and Acceptance
1.1 Introduction
These Fortnite Champion Series Global Championship - 2023 - Official Rules (“Rules”) govern all stages of the Fortnite Champion Series Global Championship - 2023 (“FNCS Global Championship” or “Event”).
These Rules have been designed to ensure the integrity of competitive play of Fortnite (the “Game”) in connection with the Event, and are intended to promote vigorous competition and to help ensure that all competitive play of the Game is fun, fair, and free from Toxic Behavior (as defined below).
These Rules may be translated into other languages. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between any translated version of these Rules and the English version of these Rules, the English version shall prevail, govern and control.
1.2 Acceptance
To participate in the Event, each player must agree (or, if a Minor (as defined below), such player’s Guardian (as defined below) must agree on such player’s behalf) to follow these Rules at all times, including the Code of Conduct in Section 8. A player (or, if a Minor, such player’s Guardian) may accept these Rules by completing and signing the FNCS Global Championship Player Participation Form (“Player Participation Form”) provided by Event Administrators (as defined below). By participating in any game or match that is part of the Event, a player is confirming that he or she (or, if a Minor, his or her Guardian) has accepted these Rules pursuant to this Section 1.2.
These Rules also apply to each player’s Guardian. Participation in the Event by a player is conditioned on the acceptance of these Rules by the Guardian of such player.
1.3 Enforcement
Epic Games, Inc. (“Epic”) will have primary responsibility for enforcing these Rules for all players at the Event and may, working with the Event Administrators, impose sanctions on players or Guardians for violations of these Rules, as further described in Section 9.
1.4 Amendments
Epic may update, revise, change, or modify these Rules from time to time. For each player, his or her participation in the Event after any update, revision, change, or modification to these Rules will be deemed acceptance by such player (or, if a Minor, such player’s Guardian) of these Rules as updated, revised, changed, or modified.
2. Event Structure
2.1 Definition of Terms
2.1.1 Elimination
An occurrence where one player entirely depletes the HP and Shield (if any) of another player. Subject to Section 7.1.2, elimination credit is determined by (a) the action feed located at the bottom left corner of the gameplay screen, and (b) the UI illustrating the total number of eliminations earned during a single match; provided, that, in no event shall elimination credit be awarded to a player for any portion of a match following such player’s elimination.
2.1.2 Event Administrator
Any Epic employee or member of the admin team, broadcast team, production team, event staff, or anyone else otherwise employed or contracted for the purpose of running the Event (including, without limitation, BLAST ApS (“BLAST”)). Players must follow instructions of Event Administrators at all times. In the event of a dispute, the Event Administrator has the final decision.
2.1.3 Game Mode
A specific ruleset, set of gameplay elements, or win conditions for a given match. Game modes can be very broad and may or may not differ from one match to the next. Event Administrators will explain the specific parameters for each game mode before the beginning of a match.
2.1.4 Match
A single instance of competition within the Game that is played until a player or team either achieves a Victory Royale (as defined below) or certain victory conditions are otherwise met.
2.1.5 Placement
A player ’s or team’s time spent in play in a match, relative to that of other players or teams in such match, prior to being eliminated. Placement rank is illustrated in the UI after being eliminated.
2.1.6 Session
A set of matches that is played until a winner or multiple winners are determined by one of the following methods: (a) completion of a set number of matches or (b) completion of a set time period.
2.1.7 Victory Royale
An occurrence where a player or team meets the victory conditions of the current game mode of the match being played. Typically, this refers to obtaining a first place placement finish.
2.2 Schedule - All Final Times Listed in Game
2.2.1 October 9-10: Player Arrivals
2.2.2 October 10-11: Media Days
2.2.3 October 12: Rehearsal/Practice
2.2.4 October 13: Upper Bracket
2.2.5 October 14: Lower Bracket
2.2.6 October 15: Grand Finals
2.3 Rescheduling
Epic and/or Event Administrators may, in its/their sole discretion, reorder the schedule and/or change the date or time for any player arrival, media day, match, or session of the Event (or change any game mode to be played in connection therewith). However, if the Event schedule is so modified, Epic and/or Event Administrators will inform all players at its earliest convenience.
2.4 Event Format - Stage 1: Upper Bracket
2.4.1 Format
For the first stage of the FNCS Global Championship (“Stage 1” or “Upper Bracket”), all eligible players on a Duos team (as determined by Epic in accordance with these Rules) must have advanced from FNCS Major 1, FNCS Major 2, or FNCS Major 3.
For the Upper Bracket, teams will compete in a single session that will last approximately three (3) hours, with a new match starting approximately every forty (40) minutes. Teams may participate in a maximum of five (5) matches during the Upper Bracket session. Teams will earn points based on the scoring system listed in Sections 2.7.1 and 2.7.2 (as applicable). If a team fails to queue for the playlist and/or misses the start time for a given match, it will be considered to have finished in (or tied for) last place with zero eliminations for that missed match.
At the conclusion of the Upper Bracket session, and subject to the terms and conditions herein, the top 25 point earning teams on the Upper Bracket Leaderboard will advance to the final stage of the Event (“Stage 3” or “Grand Finals”). The bottom 25 point earning teams on the Upper Bracket Leaderboard will be relegated to the second stage of the Event (“Stage 2” or “Lower Bracket”).
2.5 Event Format - Stage 2: Lower Bracket
2.5.1 Format
For the Lower Bracket, all eligible players on a Duos team (as determined by Epic in accordance with these Rules) must have either (a) advanced from the FNCS Last Chance Major, or (b) been relegated from placing 26th - 50th in the Upper Bracket Leaderboard.
For the Lower Bracket, teams will compete in a single session that will last approximately three (3) hours, with a new match starting approximately every forty (40) minutes. Teams may participate in a maximum of five (5) matches during the Lower Bracket session. Teams will earn points based on the scoring system listed in Sections 2.7.1 and 2.7.2 (as applicable). If a team fails to queue for the playlist and/or misses the start time for a given match, it will be considered to have finished in (or tied for) last place with zero eliminations for that missed match.
At the conclusion of the Lower Bracket session, and subject to the terms and conditions herein, the top 25 point earning teams on the Lower Bracket Leaderboard will advance to the Grand Finals. The bottom 25 point earning teams on the Lower Bracket Leaderboard will be eliminated from the Event, and, subject to the terms and conditions herein (including, without limitation, Section 2.8.2), will be awarded prizes as set out in Section 2.8.1.
2.6 Event Format - Stage 3: Grand Finals
2.6.1 Format
For the Grand Finals, all eligible players on a Duos team (as determined by Epic in accordance with these Rules) must have advanced as listed in Section 2.4 or 2.5.
For the Grand Finals, teams will compete in a single session that will last approximately three (3) hours, with a new match starting approximately every forty (40) minutes. Teams may participate in a maximum of six (6) matches during the Grand Finals session. Teams will earn points based on the scoring system listed in Sections 2.7.1 and 2.7.2 (as applicable). If a team fails to queue for the playlist and/or misses the start time for a given match, it will be considered to have finished in (or tied for) last place with zero eliminations for that missed match.
At the conclusion of the Grand Finals, and subject to the terms and conditions herein (including, without limitation, Section 2.8.2), the top point earning teams as listed on the Grand Finals Leaderboard will be awarded prizes as set out in Section 2.8.1.
2.7 Scoring System - Upper Bracket, Lower Bracket, and Grand Finals
2.7.1 Leaderboard Scoring
Placement
Victory Royale: 65 Points
2nd: 56 Points
3rd: 52 Points
4th: 48 Points
5th: 44 Points
6th: 40 Points
7th: 38 Points
8th: 36 Points
9th: 34 Points
10th: 32 Points
11th: 30 Points
12th: 28 Points
13th: 26 Points
14th: 24 Points
15th: 22 Points
16th: 20 Points
17th: 18 Points
18th: 16 Points
19th: 14 Points
20th: 12 Points
21st: 10 Points
22nd: 8 Points
23rd: 6 Points
24th: 4 Points
25th: 2 Points
Each Elimination: 4 Points
Mid Match Objectives
Team captures a Forecast Tower POI: 3 points
Team captures the Rift Loot Island POI: 15 points
2.7.2 Tiebreakers
Tiebreakers will be determined in the order presented here: (1) total points scored; (2) total Victory Royales in the session; (3) average eliminations in the session; (4) average placement per match in the session; and finally (5) total seconds survived across all matches.
2.8 Prizes
2.8.1 Grand Finals
Subject to Section 2.8.2, the following prizes will be awarded to each team (divided evenly between the participating players on a team) based on its placement within the Leaderboard at the conclusion of the Grand Finals Day 2 session.
Event Prizes - Global Championship
Rank Prize
1st $1,000,000
2nd $650,000
3rd $400,000
4th $300,000
5th $200,000
6th $150,000
7th $120,000
8th $100,000
9th $80,000
10th - 15th $50,000
16th - 20th $30,000
21st - 25th $20,000
26th - 30th $18,000
31st - 35th $16,000
36th - 40th $14,000
41st - 45th $12,000
46th - 50th $10,000
51st - 75th $4,000
2.8.2 Prize Restricted Regions
NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING OR ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THESE RULES TO THE CONTRARY, IF YOU ARE AN INDIVIDUAL RESIDING IN TURKEY OR RUSSIA (EACH, A “PRIZE RESTRICTED REGION”), YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE (AND IF A MINOR, YOUR GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES) THAT YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR NOR ENTITLED TO WIN ANY PRIZES IN CONNECTION WITH THE EVENT.
2.8.3 Prizing Information
Only the highest scoring players who do not otherwise reside in a Prize Restricted Region (as determined by Epic pursuant to this Section 2.8.3) will be eligible to receive the applicable prizes set forth in Section 2.8.1 (“Winning Players”). No other player with a score lower than the Winning Players or residing in a Prize Restricted Region shall be, at any time or under any circumstances, entitled to win any prizes in connection with the Event.
For clarity, prizes are awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied. Prizes are not transferable or assignable and cannot be transferred by Winning Players. Non-cash prizes (if any) cannot be redeemed for cash. All prize details are at the sole discretion of Epic. Winning Players are not entitled to any surplus between actual retail value of prize and approximate retail value and any difference between approximate and actual value of the prize will not be awarded. Winning Players are responsible for any costs and expenses associated with prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided. Winning Players may not substitute a prize, but Epic reserves the right, at its sole discretion, in case of justified reasons, to substitute a prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value. Additional terms and conditions may apply to acceptance and use of a prize.
Potential Winning Players will be notified by Epic of their status as a potential Winning Player at the email address associated with such players’ Epic Games Account (“Epic Account”) within 30 days of completion of the applicable Event session, or such other time as reasonably required by Epic for such notification, and will be subject to verification of eligibility pursuant to Section 3 and compliance with these Rules. Potential Winning Players must keep the Epic Account that they used to compete in the Event active throughout the verification of eligibility process.
Upon formal notification from Epic, a potential Winning Player shall have 45 days from the date such notice was emailed to respond and provide any information or materials requested by Epic, including the Release (as defined below) for purposes of verification of eligibility pursuant to Section 3. Such response from a potential Winning Player must be delivered to the email address from which Epic’s notification was sent or, at Epic’s sole option, another email address specified in the notification. The date of receipt by Epic shall be decisive for a potential Winning Player’s compliance with the deadlines set forth in this Section 2.8.3.
In the event of (a) the failure by any such player to (i) keep the Epic Account that such player used to compete in the Event active throughout the verification of eligibility process or (ii) timely respond to any notification or request for materials or information; or (b) any such player being unable to accept or receive the prize for any reason (including, without limitation, for participating in the Event on, or attempting to complete the verification of eligibility process with, an Epic Games Cabined Account (“Cabined Account”), or for failure to provide the necessary tax and payment information through Epic’s approved tax and payment processing vendors), then in either case (items (a) or (b)), such player shall be disqualified as a potential Winning Player, and such player shall not be entitled to win any prizes in connection with the Event. In such cases, no alternate Winning Player will be named, and Epic shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to (y) award any prize amounts that would have otherwise been awarded to such disqualified player as part of a future Game competitive event or (z) award any such prize amounts to non-profit causes and efforts. A Winning Player will only be announced once the verification of eligibility process has been completed by Epic pursuant to these Rules.
Winning Players will also be required to provide certain payment information to Epic, including any required tax information forms, in order to receive the prizes. Epic may withhold payment of the prizes if the Winning Player fails to provide the applicable payment forms to Epic in a timely manner.
PRIZES ARE SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE INTERNATIONAL, FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INCOME AND WITHHOLDING TAXES) AND IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH WINNING PLAYER TO (I) CHECK WITH SUCH WINNING PLAYER’S LOCAL TAX ADVISOR TO DETERMINE WHICH TAXES APPLY TO SUCH WINNING PLAYER AND (II) PAY SUCH TAXES TO THE APPROPRIATE TAX AUTHORITY. It is Epic's policy to withhold tax at the backup withholding rates in effect for US and non-US residents. Prize income and tax withholding will be reported on forms (y) 1099-MISC for US residents and 1042-S for non-US residents, and (z) any other relevant tax forms as may be required by applicable law.
Epic will determine the payment method for the prizes in its sole discretion and, except as otherwise required by applicable law, all payments will be made directly to the Winning Player in such Winning Player’s capacity as an individual (or, if a Minor, to the Winning Player’s parent or legal guardian). For the avoidance of doubt, no prize payments will be made by Epic to any organization, company, or other entity. Each Winning Player will be provided a Prize Acceptance and Release Form (“Release”). Unless restricted by applicable law, each Winning Player (or, if a Minor, such Winning Player’s Guardian) will be required to complete and submit the Release in accordance with the deadlines set forth in this Section 2.6.3.
