UMG Announces the End of Friday Fortnite Partnership
UMG Events will no longer be involved with Daniel ‘KEEMSTAR’ Keem’s Friday Fortnite tournaments, the company has revealed.
In a statement on Twitter, UMG stated that it is “delighted by the impact” that the incredibly popular events have had on the Fortnite community but that its role had now come to an end.
UMG goes on to say that millions of viewers tuned in every week to watch their favorite players and streamers compete in Friday Fortnite events and thanks KEEMSTAR, the players, and the Friday Fortnite partners for helping to make it such a success.
Our role in Friday #Fortnite has ended, but we’re delighted by the impact it had. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/YGj9mjTfvO
— UMG Events (@UMGEvents) July 20, 2018
Millions of you tuned in weekly, over $170,000 was awarded and thousands donated. Thank you to the viewers, @KEEMSTAR, @GFuelEnergy, @OfficialEGL, @SteelSeries, @FortniteGame and all of the players for making it special. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/1Ia4Pu4Fko
— UMG Events (@UMGEvents) July 20, 2018
The news about UMG breaking ties with Friday Fortnite comes shortly after KEEMSTAR’s announcement that the July 20 edition of the event has been cancelled following a scheduling conflict.
Epic Games is hosting a “Summer Skirmish” tournament at the same time as Friday Fortnite was due to be played and, according to KEEMSTAR, most of the players that were due to play in his competition have now been invited to Epic’s.
The Drama Alert host has made it clear that he does not want to hold the players back from playing tournaments worth $500,000, but seems disappointed in Epic Games for capping the prize pool of Friday Fortnite at just $20,000 and then going head-to-head with him in scheduling.
With Friday Fortnite’s partnership with UMG coming to an end, the future of the tournament is uncertain. Given the impressive viewing figures, and the popularity with players and streamers, it seems unlikely that it will disappear entirely.