Gonna Need Milk is set to make esports history with the Milk Cup Finals, the first-ever all-women’s Fortnite LAN event, happening at Los Angeles Comic Con on October 5, 2024. This groundbreaking championship will bring together 99 of the nation’s top women gamers to compete for their share of the largest prize pool in North American women’s esports history — a staggering $250,000. The Milk Cup continues Gonna Need Milk’s mission to empower and elevate women in esports, marking a major milestone in women’s competitive gaming.

Developed by Women, for Women

The Milk Cup has been a collaborative effort, developed in partnership with women gamers and Fortnite streamer ThePeachCobbler, along with Women of the eRena (WOTE). Produced by Raidiant’s all-women production team, this event aims to meet the unmet needs of women in professional gaming, offering an inclusive and safe space for women to compete at the highest level. The event’s format—featuring open qualifiers, trios, multiple rounds, and scheduled scrims—has enabled players of all skill levels to participate and make their mark in the competition.

Record-Breaking Viewership and Participation

With over 300 women competing in the qualifiers and 2.5 million views across the three qualifying rounds, the Milk Cup has already established itself as one of the most-watched women’s esports events of the year. This incredible turnout reflects the growing demand for more inclusive esports platforms where women can showcase their talent and passion for gaming.

To ensure financial barriers do not limit participation, Gonna Need Milk is covering all travel expenses and accommodations for the 33 qualified trios. This move reinforces the Milk Cup’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. It provides opportunities for women gamers from diverse backgrounds to compete without financial constraints.

The Milk Cup: A Cultural Milestone in Women’s Esports

The Milk Cup is more than just a tournament; it represents a cultural milestone in esports. The event highlights underrepresented women in gaming. It addresses the long-standing dominance of male players in the industry. By organizing a high-profile tournament, the Milk Cup prioritizes women’s inclusion. This sets a standard for esports events to foster diversity. It also provides safe spaces for women to thrive.

As Jen Grubb, MilkPEP Sr. Marketing Manager, highlights, “The Milk Cup is a natural evolution of Gonna Need Milk’s commitment to supporting and empowering women in sports, including esports. In addition to creating opportunities for women to compete, milk’s nutrients support gamers’ physical performance by helping focus and providing sustained energy through essential nutrients like protein and B vitamins.”

A Player-Centric Experience at L.A. Comic Con

The Milk Cup Finals will be held on October 5 from 12 PM to 8 PM at the Freeplay Zone in the West Hall of L.A. Comic Con. The competition features a trios tournament format. Teams earn points based on placement and eliminations across six matches. The event will broadcast live on the gaming stage. It will also stream on Twitch for a wider audience reach. In addition, this dual-platform setup significantly enhances immersion for both players and viewers, making the event even more dynamic. Ultimately, these elements come together to create a truly captivating and engaging experience.

The tournament promises a player-centric environment, featuring exclusive giveaways, fan interactions, and more. Kelly Link will host the Twitch stream, with commentary from esports experts LemonKiwi and Taco. For those who want to witness the action in person, Milk Teen Tickets (for fans aged 13-17) are available starting at $30 at GonnaNeedMilk.com/Milk-Cup.

Empowering Women Gamers

The Milk Cup Finals are significant for women in esports. They provide a vital platform for women gamers’ career advancement. As esports grows, events like the Milk Cup improve representation and opportunities for women. Gonna Need Milk offers a large prize pool and a professional LAN environment. They also provide extensive media coverage. This support gives women gamers the visibility and resources to succeed in competitive gaming.

Alli Johnson, VP and Event Director of L.A. Comic Con, expressed her excitement for the event, stating, “The L.A. Comic Con team is thrilled to host The Milk Cup LAN championship. It’s an incredible event empowering women gamers to come together, compete, and further their careers.”

A Landmark Event for Women’s Esports

The Milk Cup Finals are more than just a competition. They pave the way for the next generation of women in gaming. This event boasts record-breaking viewership and strong financial backing. Its top-tier production will shape the future of women’s esports. As the gaming industry evolves, the Milk Cup exemplifies an inclusive, player-first approach. This approach can change the landscape of professional gaming for women.

For more information on The Milk Cup Finals, including details on how to tune in or attend, visit GonnaNeedMilk.com/Milk-Cup or follow @GonnaNeedMilk on social media.

Key Event Details: Save the Date!

• Date: October 5, 2024
• Time: 12 PM – 8 PM
• Location: Freeplay Zone, West Hall, L.A. Comic Con
• Tickets: Available at GonnaNeedMilk.com/Milk-Cup
• Streaming: Live on Twitch, with highlights streamed by IGN