This is the story of The Milk Cup and its impact on women in Fortnite esports and beyond.
Fifty duos. A hundred players. One day to make it count. The Milk Cup 2025 Finals will kick off at TwitchCon San Diego on Oct. 18 as a cumulation of this year's three Main Events where players such as Nina, Vader, Fraanticc, and Kanary duked it out for glory.
Why The Milk Cup circuit matters
Created by the Milk Processor Education Program's (MilkPEP) Gonna Need Milk initiative, The Milk Cup circuit builds opportunities for women in esports, spotlights emerging talent, and shows how milk’s nutrients help gamers stay focused and perform at their best.
Last year was the first iteration of The Milk Cup, and many trios met each other for the first time ever at the LAN during L.A. Comic Con. In addition to showcasing the talents of players, the event also championed many women with different skills. This was especially the case on the production front thanks to Raidiant.
Speaking of which, as one of the key people behind The Milk Cup, Raidiant founder Heather “sapphiRe” Garozzo told esports.gg that by setting top standards and hiring the best broadcast talent possible, players got to feel like the main event rather than a sideshow. This, in turn, aimed to inspire women watching the broadcast to pursue opportunities such as broadcast production, marketing, and advertising -- which all go beyond competitive gameplay.
"We should have the best broadcast talent. We don't want them to come in and feel like they're in a sideshow or a warm-up for the guys," sapphiRe said. "We want them to feel like they're the main event. So by giving them all the bells and whistles of a big esports production, they're gonna really feel that."
Fortnite streamer ThePeachCobbler is also one of the key people behind the circuit. In an interview, she told esports.gg that the idea faced negativity at first -- particularly from men questioning why the circuit existed, but as the project evolved, she noticed an attitude shift. More people, including men, became excited and supportive of The Milk Cup.
"Honestly, I can't believe it came from an idea and a passion that I had. I just felt like speaking up and seeing where it goes. Watching it come to be this massive event has truly been history-making," ThePeachCobbler said.
Squid from Women of the eRena (WOTE) also shared her thoughts in an interview. She told esports.gg that gaming is one of the most inclusive and accessible sports, and it's inspiring to see women receive the same recognition and respect as their male counterparts in events like The Milk Cup. Squid went into the difference between equality and equity as well, recalling the powerful image below.
The Milk Cup's impact on women in esports
As for the players themselves, the inaugural LAN featured the majority of players duking it in trios. The tournament also had a set of firsts. For example, many players traveled to Los Angeles, competed in a LAN, and met their teammates for the first time ever.
"It's like a dream -- meeting everyone," Regsita told esports.gg. In the end, Regsita, Moxie, and dieyuhs claimed victory at The Milk Cup 2024 Finals while Kitzi won the sportsmanship award.
"I was tearing up backstage, not because of the award, but for the opportunity," Kitzi said. "And I won't tear up now, but I'm super blessed."
Dieyuhs shared some heartfelt words after taking home the gold with Regsita and Moxie as well. "Honestly, I never thought I would have this opportunity. So it means a lot."
The Milk Cup 2025 Finals
This year's LAN will begin on Oct. 18 at TwitchCon San Diego. Which team will win The Milk Cup 2025 Finals? Only time will tell. Fans and supporters will be able to catch all of the esports action at either the event's dedicated stage or Gonna Need Milk's Twitch channel.
That's all for now. Stick around on esports.gg for more Fortnite news and updates.
