Who Is the Fortnite GOAT?
Throughout Fortnite’s competitive history, many debates have started over who is the best player of all time. While several players are often mentioned by the best Fortnite accounts, four have differentiated themselves: Bugha, Tayson, Mero, and Peterbot. Let’s examine their stories and achievements to determine who might truly be the Fortnite GOAT.
Bugha: A Consistent Legacy
Starting off this list is Bugha, a player who has consistently proven himself at the top of the competitive Fortnite scene since day one. Bugha started his journey with squad scrims in early 2018 and quickly demonstrated incredible skill. The highlight of his career came in 2019 when he won the Fortnite World Cup Finals, claiming $3 million in prize money — an earnings record that still stands today.
After the World Cup, Bugha’s career continued to flourish despite its ups and downs. He struggled in the first two Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) events, placing near the bottom in trios and squads. His luck turned around as he began securing better placements, finishing fifth in Duos and fourth in the Solo FNCS. It wasn’t until Chapter 2 Season 8, that Bugha secured his first FNCS title alongside his trio partners Dukez and Mero. It marked the beginning of a significant run for Bugha, which included three consecutive FNCS wins and solid placements across numerous tournaments.
While Bugha has faced challenges on the global stage, such as disappointing performances at LAN events, his consistent high placements and impressive tournament history have cemented his place among Fortnite’s best. With three FNCS wins, a Solo World Cup title, and nearly $4 million in earnings, Bugha has earned his spot in the GOAT debate.
Tayson: A Natural Talent
While Bugha was raking in millions and gaining fame, Tayson was quietly emerging as a force to be reckoned with. The first season Tayson played was Chapter 2 Season 1, and he immediately made an impact by placing seventh in his first FNCS. Tayson proved to be a solo specialist, winning Chapter 2 Season 3 FNCS by a comfortable margin.
After his initial success, Tayson handpicked top-tier teammates like Mongraal and Mitr0 and continued to dominate. One of the highlights of Tayson’s career was his victory in the Solo All-Stars tournament in Chapter 2 Season 7, which concluded with an unforgettable 1v1 that netted him an additional $150,000 in earnings. Throughout the following seasons, Tayson consistently delivered top performances, racking up five FNCS titles in the European region, widely considered the most competitive. Additionally, he boasts the most online earnings by any player, with over $1.1 million.
However, Tayson’s struggle has always been with in-person LAN events, where his performances have yet to match his online prowess. This challenge was compounded by a recent two-season ban for toxicity, which prevented him from competing in the 2023 Global Championship. While Tayson’s last year has been underwhelming, his past achievements and accolades make a strong case for his spot in the Fortnite GOAT debate.
Mero: The Controller King
Mero is, without a doubt, the best controller player Fortnite has ever seen. Unlike Bugha and Tayson, Mero’s rise was slower and more unconventional. Playing Fortnite casually on a console, it wasn’t until Chapter 2 Season 2 that he decided to take the game seriously, winning a console Solo Cash Cup. He then transitioned to PC and qualified for the Solo FNCS, finishing 49th, followed by a 61st-place finish. At the time, Mero faced criticism for being just another “aim-assist reliant” controller player.
However, when Mero teamed up with Reverse2K and Deyy, they shocked the Fortnite world by winning Stark Season’s FNCS despite landing at a seemingly poor split drop. This unexpected triumph and further success alongside Bugha, who became his regular teammate, solidified Mero’s place as one of the best players in Fortnite.
Mero’s remarkable journey includes five FNCS wins and over $1 million in earnings. In 2023, he capped his career by winning the Fortnite Global Championship in partnership with Cooper. Even though Mero has since struggled in subsequent tournaments, his six FNCS titles (tying with EpicWhale for the most ever) and his dominance as a controller player establish him as a key contender for the title of Fortnite’s greatest player.
Peterbot: A Rising Phenomenon
The most recent player to rise to GOAT contention is Peterbot, who had a late start in competitive Fortnite. Initially lacking in skill, he gradually improved and burst onto the scene by qualifying for the Solo All-Star tournament, where he finished eighth — a standout result for a newcomer. Despite early accusations of cheating, Peterbot quickly silenced his critics through exceptional solo and team performances.
Peterbot’s breakthrough came in Chapter 3 Season 2, where he delivered one of the best individual performances in FNCS Grand Finals history. From there, his upward trajectory continued, particularly when he teamed up with his duo partner, Poo. Together, they dominated multiple FNCS competitions and achieved unparalleled records, including winning every Duo Cash Cup in a single season and setting several records for eliminations and overall tournament performance.
Peterbot’s career faced a critical test at the 2023 Global Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. He finally proved his LAN capabilities against top duos from around the world, pulling off clutch performances and sealing the victory. With two consecutive FNCS wins alongside Poo and remarkable individual skill, Peterbot has demonstrated that he may be on the path to becoming the undisputed GOAT of Fortnite.
So, Who Is the True Fortnite GOAT?
When considering the best Fortnite player of all time, it’s crucial to weigh factors like longevity, skill, and achievements. Bugha’s consistency and historic World Cup win make him a strong pick, while Tayson’s five FNCS titles and online dominance have left a mark on competitive Fortnite. In comparison, Mero’s reign as the greatest controller player and his six FNCS titles add further complexity to the debate.
However, Peterbot’s current level of skill, combined with his recent accomplishments, suggests that he could very well claim the title of GOAT shortly — if he hasn’t already.
If you’re inspired by the stories of these Fortnite legends and eager to upgrade your own gameplay, there’s plenty you can do! From finding the best controller settings, to practicing building techniques, there’s a lot you can do to enhance your in-game performance.
