BIG duo makes Fortnite history with back-to-back LAN titles at Esports World Cup

Taylor-Petric Gacchlhoefer ("vic0") and Daniil Yakovenko ("Malibuca") of BIG achieved an unprecedented milestone in Fortnite history by winning the Fortnite Reload Elite Series title at the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris, becoming the first duo ever to claim back-to-back LAN championships in the game's professional scene.

The pair secured the top prize of $260,000 after previously making headlines by winning the FNCS 2026 Major 1 Summit in May.

Why is this achievement exceptional?

No duo had ever won two consecutive LAN tournaments in Fortnite's competitive history, a feat made especially difficult by the game's chaotic and fast-paced nature, which makes repeating results extremely challenging even for the best professionals.

Slow start, decisive finish

The BIG duo reached the final after finishing second in their group, but began the last day with a modest performance. They improved their ranking in the eleventh match and clinched the title in the thirteenth, as other teams were still in contention for the championship.

"Best teammate ever"

Malibuca praised his teammate, saying: "I'm very lucky to have vic0 on my team, and I don't think I could have won this championship or this game with anyone else." He added that vic0 "single-handedly defeated the final two-player team."

Vic0 was named Sony MVP, earning an additional $25,000 after recording 32 eliminations and 19 knockdowns during the tournament. He commented: "I really loved this championship, and I wish it had lasted longer because it gave me an incredible feeling."

Falcons miss out on points

French duo Momsy and Skyjump finished second after a strong performance that nearly earned them the title on home soil, while Oltean Stefan ("shxrk") and Tin Popovic ("t3eny") of Aurora Gaming took third place.

Meanwhile, Peter Katta ("Peterbot") and Miguel Moreno ("Pollo") of Team Falcons — considered among the favorites — failed to contend, finishing twelfth overall and earning no club championship points.