Fortnite Creator Chica joins the Icon Series

The Icon Series began with a Fortnite x Marshmello collaboration in February 2019. Since then, Epic Games has expanded significantly on the concept. The developers partnered with celebrities and athletes to further legitimize the exclusive collection. Many recognizable figures from different avenues, including many Fortnite originals, have joined the Icon Series. Today, Epic Games adds another to the growing list. The veteran Fortnite streamer Maria "Chica" Lopez joins the Icon Series as its newest addition.

Chica — a former TSM member — is one of a few content creators who has stuck with Fortnite from its humble beginnings. She joined Twitch in 2016 but didn't gain wide recognition until 2018. Following Fortnite's boom in popularity, Chica saw her average viewer count and social media followers climb accordingly. Fortnite became a cornerstone of Chica's streamers over the years. 

Her Icon Series nod makes her the second female content creator to receive the accolade following Kathleen "Loserfruit" Belsten. Moreover, she enters the Icon Series alongside Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, LeBron James, Neymar Jr and many more. However, the roots of the Icon Series stem from popular content creators like Kyle "Bugha" Giersdorf, Tyler "Ninja" Blevins and David "TheGrefg" Cánovas Martínez. Chica joins the Icon Series as the first member of Puerto Rican descent—an aspect that is prevalent in her cosmetic items.

The streamer commented on receiving this in-game recognition:

"I take a lot of pride in being not only a content creator, but also in my identity as a Puerto Rican woman in the LGBTQIA+ community. I wanted my Set in Fortnite to be true to who I am," Chica says. "I've been able to build such an awesome community within the Fortnite family, and I can't wait to share my set with everyone. I'm thrilled to be the first Latina to join the Icon Series!"

Beginning Saturday, May 7th at 8 PM EST, Fortnite players can acquire Chica's Icon Series set from the Item Shop. The Twitch streamer revealed the entire set in front of 20,000 viewers on her channel. It features various wearable skins and accessories, including five unique styles, back bling, pickaxe and emote. 

Epic Games announced a Zero Build duos tournament centered around Chica one day before her skin enters the Item Shop. On May 6th, Competitors across all regions can participate, where top performers have a chance to earn the Chica set for free. Furthermore, those who accumulate at least eight points will receive a free spray. Learn more by checking out Epic's blog post.

The final Fortnite x Chica Icon Series component presents Chica's Fun Run Creative Island. Developed by KyberCreative, Chica's Fun Run offers a vibrantly-colored obstacle course for fans to enjoy. Players can navigate to Island Code 8432-7199-6378 to try the map.

Chica has etched herself in Fortnite history alongside A-list celebrities, athletes and the most recognizable content creators. It's a monumental moment for a streamer who ascended alongside Fortnite nearly five years ago.