After beating 40 million competitors across the world, a 15-year-old Brit could become a multi-millionaire as he battles to become the Fortnite world champion.
If Benjy Fish lifts the gaming title on Sunday he will eclipse Andy Murray’s £1.5million US Open prize money in the same arena where the tennis star won his first major.
The schoolboy is battling it out at Flushing Meadows for a first prize of £2.4million along with 10 others Brits.
All finalists will take home at least £40,000, and the runner-up will also be a millionaire.
Some UK stars are set to compete in today’s team final which also has a top prize of £2.4million shared between players.
Fortnite is arguably the most popular game on the planet.
It has 250 million users and involves 100 players being dropped on to an island where they have to find weapons, build structures and eliminate each other until one player triumphs.
It is not without controversy. Prince Harry claimed it drained the minds of youngsters.
Benjy, known as “Benjyfishy” to his 600,000 social media followers, has one goal after his father died from cancer.
He said: “I would like to buy a house for my family. We have always been renting since my dad passed away when I was eight months old so it would be nice to be able to help out.”
The teen lives with his mother on a small river isle in Sunbury, Surrey.
Reaching the finals is the culmination of eight hours’ practice every day for the last five months. What began as a simple hobby shared with school friends has turned into a life-changing moment for both Benjy and mum Anne.
Most parents order their offspring not to spend hours on screen.
But she realised he was becoming good when he started winning money and encouraged him.
Anne recalls: “Benjy won an online tournament which had an £8,000 prize fund. That was my first inkling he was actually good.”
Ahead of the finals, Benjy admits to being nervous.
He said: “It will be a bit different because I’ve never been on a huge stage like that before.
“I’ve been training so much. For the last two weeks. I’ve put in at least 12 hours every day.”
