“You’re out of your comfort zone, you’re in front of a live audience, and to me, that is what esports truly is. If you can perform at a LAN then you are a true competitor.”
With Fortnite hosting its first in-person event since the World Cup in 2019, many fans, players and creators have shared their excitement for the successful return of LAN events. Among those excited for the Fortnite Invitational was the legend himself, SypherPK.
Sypher decided to share his thoughts with us on why he was so excited about Fortnite's return to in-person events.
"I think expectations are pretty high since the last tournament was the World Cup, but they really blew it out of the park": SypherPK
Building up over the last few months, Fortnite has been creating crazy anticipation for the Invitational. 100 diligent competitors and an incredibly ecstatic crowd joined together. The energy was far from vacant during the first day of the Invitational.
"The energy at a LAN event is incomparable to any online event", said Sypher when asked about his thoughts on being back in person. "I think expectations are pretty high since the last tournament was the World Cup, but they really blew it out of the park."
With such a high-quality production put on for the Invitational, it makes us wonder what to expect for 2023 and the future of Fortnite events.
"I'm expecting a lot more LANs", said Sypher when asked about his 2023 expectations. "I feel like LANs are the true test of the esports experience."
You're out of your comfort zone, you're in front of a live audience, and to me, that is what esports truly is. If you can perform at a LAN then you are a true competitor.
Sypher's insight on competing in person creates an atmosphere of excitement for those ready for more LAN events.
"You're out of your comfort zone, you're in front of a live audience, and to me, that is what esports truly is. If you can perform at a LAN then you are a true competitor."
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SypherPK's Oni Studios hopes to get involved with LAN events in the future
For the past few years, Sypher has been working hard at developing Oni Studios, his premiere content-focused studio. With plans on developing the highest quality of content, Sypher also hopes to get involved within the LAN space.
"We are about to open our 30,000-square-foot studio and we are really excited about the idea of hosting tournaments and helping pro players develop their content", explained Sypher when asked about his plan to incorporate Oni Studios with in-person events.
"These pro players are so focused on being the best in the game and sometimes they do not have the time to focus on their YouTube and stream."
Sypher's undying love for content creation builds as he hopes to create opportunities for others.
Sypher on Zero Build: "Zero Build is the bridge between casual players and serious players"
It is no secret that Zero Build mode has added a new dynamic to the competitive Fortnite scene. So many Fortnite veterans are returning because of the recently added game mode.
"I think there is a future for Zero Build", said Sypher. "I also think that Zero Build is the bridge between casual players and serious players."
With events that combine celebrities, athletes and pro gamers, Zero Build helps make a perfect environment for those not as familiar with the game's traditional mechanics.
"We haven't had a Pro-Am", said Sypher. "That's when you really get some of the celebrities and the NFL and NBA players. I feel like Zero Build is going to make that possible again."
With the last Pro-Am being held back during the World Cup, the competitive skill level has changed quite drastically. Having a mode like Zero Build available for these tournaments helps lower the skill gap between players and casuals.
Fortnite's future is bright as SypherPK and other creators gear up for 2023
As 2023 creeps up on us, Fortnite players are banking on a solid year to drive the game. With so many possibilities lying ahead, the hopes for more large in-person tournaments motivate fans alike.
Whether or not you are a creator like Sypher, or maybe just a casual Fortnite fan, the expectations for the future of the game are filled with excitement.
Stay tuned to esports for the latest Fortnite news and updates.
