Fortnite community divided as #ripfortnite and #ThankYouEpicGames trends erupt over wager match ban
The Spark: Epic’s Wager Match Crackdown
The Fortnite community erupted on March 26 when Epic Games enforced their long-standing policy against wager matches – unofficial competitions where players bet on match outcomes. This particularly impacted professional players who relied on these high-stakes matches to sharpen their skills.
NRG’s Cody ‘Clix’ Conrod received a direct warning from Epic, signaling their serious stance against these unsanctioned tournaments, especially for players under gambling age limits.
For competitive players, wager matches filled a crucial gap between public matches and official tournaments. The adrenaline of real stakes pushed players to perform at their peak, creating an environment public lobbies couldn’t match.
Epic’s March 25 announcement marked a shift from tacit tolerance to active enforcement. While the Terms of Service always prohibited gambling, the company previously turned a blind eye to these community-organized competitions.
#ripfortnite: More Than Just Wagers
I just wish it could go back to the way it was 😔 #ripfortnite pic.twitter.com/MSOoHl3RC9
— a (meal) ✰ (@amiel_josiah) March 26, 2021
The #ripfortnite hashtag evolved from wager complaints to broader nostalgia for earlier Fortnite eras. Players lamented removed features and modes, with Oceanic region competitors particularly vocal about losing Arena Duos.
Twitter user ProfZachy’s viral tweet encapsulated the sentiment: “#ripfortnite killed a region, platform, and wagers” – highlighting how Epic’s changes affected different player bases unevenly.
https://twitter.com/ProfZachy/status/1375446034801905665?s=20
This wasn’t Fortnite’s first ‘death’ declaration. The game has survived numerous existential crises since its 2017 launch, from meta changes to platform wars. The current debate reflects ongoing tension between competitive integrity and casual accessibility.
#ThankYouEpicGames: Positive Vibes Win Out
The #ThankYouEpicGames movement ultimately dominated the conversation, with heartfelt stories outweighing complaints. Fortnite leaker HYPEX shared how the game provided opportunities when traditional education failed him.
Just wanna say #ThankYouEpicGames again for changing my life in the for the last ~4 years.. i dropped out at 15-16 cause the school system sucks in countries like mine & the good schools were too expensive for my family so i didn’t know what to do until this game came out! ❤️
— HYPEX (@HYPEX) March 26, 2021
Who remembers pickaxing a ice cream truck with 100,000 damage? #ThankYouEpicGames pic.twitter.com/2PUoCtvEcd
— Ayejay (@Ayejjay04) March 26, 2021
These positive posts revealed Fortnite’s true legacy – not as a competitive platform, but as a cultural phenomenon that created shared memories. The creative mode especially emerged as an unsung hero in these tributes.
Reading the Tea Leaves
The Fortnite community right now #ThankYouEpicGames #ripfortnite pic.twitter.com/CwXaflbx93
— LeDuckJG🕊️ITS NOT GOJOVER (@FNinfluencer) March 26, 2021
This Twitter battle underscores Fortnite’s delicate balancing act. Epic must nurture competitive play while protecting younger players from gambling risks – all while maintaining the casual magic that built their massive audience.
The #ThankYouEpicGames trend’s victory suggests most players prioritize nostalgia and creativity over competitive features. However, Epic would be wise to address pro players’ concerns through official competitive outlets to prevent future divisions.
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