The question “who has the axe of champions right now” has become one of the most searched queries among Fortnite enthusiasts, and for good reason. The Axe of Champions represents the pinnacle of competitive achievement in Fortnite, serving as both a trophy and a status symbol that only the world’s best players can wield. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about who currently holds these prestigious pickaxes and how the system has evolved over time.
Current Status: The Blade of Champions Era
As of June 2025, the landscape of championship pickaxes in Fortnite has undergone a significant transformation. The traditional “Axe of Champions” has been largely succeeded by the new Blade of Champions, which represents the latest evolution in FNCS (Fortnite Champion Series) rewards.
Who Has the Blade of Champions Right Now?
Based on the most recent FNCS Major 2 results from April 2025, here are the current holders of the Blade of Champions across all competitive regions:
| Region | Current Champions | Team Affiliations |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | Vayak3kk, Pixie, MariusCOW | Gentle Mates, Team HavoK |
| North America Central | Ritual, Cold, Peterbot | XSET, Twitch |
| North America West | Ark, Sxhool, Salko | Future Talent, Cynapse Esports |
| Brazil | Stryker, Tisco, Cadu | Gremio Esports |
| Middle East | 5aald, FKS, Hero | Glory Esports, Al Ula |
| Asia | Raito, Razl, Kimkana | EDGE, LYNX e-sports |
| Oceania | Danath, Mace, Skits | Frantik Esports, Armour Esports, Team Vanish |
These 21 players across seven regions are currently the only individuals in the world who can wield the active Blade of Champions pickaxe, making it one of the rarest cosmetic items in all of gaming.
The Evolution of Championship Pickaxes
Original Axe of Champions (Chapter 2, Season 2 – Chapter 3, Season 2)
The original Axe of Champions was introduced in Chapter 2, Season 2 and served as the exclusive reward for FNCS winners. This golden, ornate pickaxe became legendary among the Fortnite community for its exclusivity and the skill required to obtain it.
Key Features:
- Available exclusively to FNCS winners
- Transferred between champions each season
- Never made available for purchase in the Item Shop
- Represented the ultimate flex in competitive Fortnite
Axe of Champions 2.0 (Chapter 3, Season 2 – Chapter 5, Season 4)
The Axe of Champions 2.0 replaced the original in Chapter 3, Season 2, introducing several changes to how the pickaxe was distributed and maintained.
Major Changes:
- Remained exclusive to FNCS winners initially
- Eventually became available for purchase in the Item Shop for 1,200 V-Bucks
- Featured updated visual design
- Previous FNCS winners retained their copies when it went public
Blade of Champions (Chapter 5, Season 4 – Present)
The newest iteration, the Blade of Champions, was introduced with the 2024 FNCS Global Championship and represents the current pinnacle of competitive rewards.
Current System:
- Exclusively awarded to FNCS Major winners
- Features a sword-style design with purple and gold accents
- Includes a built-in emote called “Champion’s Blade-Splitter”
- Transfers to new winners each Major
How the Current System Works
Qualification and Distribution
The Blade of Champions operates on a seasonal transfer system:
- Major Winners: Only the winning trio from each region’s FNCS Major receives the Blade of Champions
- Exclusive Period: Champions hold the pickaxe until the next Major concludes
- Transfer System: When new champions are crowned, they receive the Blade, and previous holders lose access
- Global Championship: The ultimate winners of the Global Championship receive special recognition
Regional Breakdown
The current FNCS system divides competition into seven major regions:
- Europe (EU): 2 qualification spots for Global Championship
- North America Central (NAC): 2 qualification spots
- North America West (NAW): 1 qualification spot
- Brazil: 1 qualification spot
- Middle East: 1 qualification spot
- Asia: 1 qualification spot
- Oceania (OCE): 1 qualification spot
The 2025 FNCS Season Structure
Major Format Overview
The 2025 FNCS season features a comprehensive competitive structure:
Tournament Flow:
- Divisional Cups: Initial qualification stage
- Play-In Stage: Leads into group stage
- Group Stage: 33 teams qualify to regional finals
- Regional Finals: Determines Major winners
- Global Championship: International tournament (September 2025)
Prize Distribution
| Event Level | Total Prize Pool | Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Each Major | ~$2 Million USD | Split across 7 regions |
| Global Championship | $2 Million USD | Top international teams |
| Total 2025 Season | $8 Million USD | Across all events |
Special Cases and Exceptions
2025 FNCS Pro-Am Distribution
In a unique development, Epic Games distributed the original Axe of Champions to all 40 participants in the 2025 FNCS Pro-Am event held in May 2025. This marked the first time the original pickaxe was given out since its retirement, creating a special group of holders separate from competitive winners.
Retired Champions
Many former FNCS champions still retain access to older versions of championship pickaxes:
- Original Axe of Champions: Pro-Am participants (May 2025)
- Axe of Champions 2.0: Available in Item Shop + former FNCS winners
- Previous Blade of Champions: Former Major winners from Chapter 5-6
Technical Specifications and Features
Blade of Champions Details
Visual Design:
- Sword-style pickaxe with dual-hand grip
- Purple and gold color scheme with glowing effects
- FNCS insignia prominently displayed
- Two selectable styles available
Built-in Features:
- Champion’s Blade-Splitter emote
- Style transformation capability
- Exclusive FNCS set membership
- Rarity: Epic (despite being unobtainable through normal means)
Comparison Table: Championship Pickaxes
| Pickaxe Version | Active Period | Current Availability | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Axe of Champions | Ch2S2 – Ch3S2 | Pro-Am codes only | Legendary |
| Axe of Champions 2.0 | Ch3S2 – Ch5S4 | Item Shop (1,200 V-Bucks) | Rare |
| Blade of Champions | Ch5S4 – Present | FNCS winners only | Epic |
Market Value and Trading
Secondary Market Activity
The exclusivity of championship pickaxes has created a thriving secondary market:
Original Axe of Champions Codes:
- Pro-Am codes selling for $50-200+ on secondary platforms
- High demand due to limited initial distribution
- Price fluctuates based on availability and demand
Important Note: Epic Games does not officially support secondary market transactions, and buyers should exercise caution when purchasing codes from unofficial sources.
Future Outlook and Predictions
Upcoming Events
FNCS Major 3 (July-August 2025):
- Play-ins begin July 16, 2025
- Group Stage: July 20-27, 2025
- Finals: August 2-3, 2025
- New Blade of Champions holders will be determined
Global Championship (September 2025):
- Location: Lyon, France
- 33 qualifying teams
- $2 Million prize pool
- Potential introduction of new championship reward
Predictions for Championship Pickaxe Evolution
Based on Epic Games’ patterns, we can expect:
- Continued Evolution: New pickaxe designs for future seasons
- Expanded Accessibility: Eventual Item Shop releases for retired versions
- Enhanced Features: More built-in emotes and interactive elements
- Seasonal Themes: Pickaxe designs that match current Fortnite seasons
How to Compete for Championship Pickaxes
Qualification Requirements
To compete for the Blade of Champions, players must:
- Achieve Division 1: Based on FNCS Trial performance
- Form a Trio: Three-player teams required for 2025 season
- Qualify Through Stages: Progress through Divisional Cups, Play-ins, and Group Stages
- Perform in Finals: Finish first in regional Major Finals
Skill Development Path
Essential Skills:
- Advanced building and editing techniques
- Team communication and coordination
- Game sense and positioning
- Endgame management
- Consistency under pressure
Practice Recommendations:
- Arena ranked grinding
- Scrimmage participation
- VOD review and analysis
- Professional coaching
- Team chemistry development
Community Impact and Cultural Significance
Status Symbol in Gaming
The championship pickaxes represent more than just cosmetic items—they’re cultural touchstones in the gaming community:
Social Media Impact:
- Champions often showcase their pickaxes on streaming platforms
- Screenshots and clips featuring championship pickaxes go viral
- Creates aspirational content for aspiring competitive players
Influencer Marketing:
- Professional players leverage their pickaxe exclusivity for sponsorships
- Content creators often discuss and analyze championship pickaxe holders
- Builds narrative around competitive achievements
Psychological Aspects
For Holders:
- Represents validation of skill and dedication
- Creates pressure to maintain competitive performance
- Serves as motivation for continued improvement
For Aspirants:
- Provides concrete goal for competitive progression
- Creates community around shared aspirations
- Drives engagement with competitive Fortnite content
Technical Issues and Controversies
Account Security Concerns
The value of championship pickaxes has led to increased targeting of professional players’ accounts:
Security Measures:
- Two-factor authentication requirements
- Account recovery procedures
- Epic Games support for compromised championship accounts
Competitive Integrity
Anti-Cheat Measures:
- Advanced detection systems for tournament play
- Manual review of suspicious performances
- Strict penalties for violations
Notable Cases:
- Some players have been retroactively disqualified
- Pickaxe distribution adjusted based on integrity investigations
- Community discussions around fair play standards
Related Cosmetics and Collections
FNCS Set Items
The championship pickaxes are part of a broader FNCS cosmetic collection:
Current Set Items:
- Blade of Champions (Pickaxe)
- Champion’s Blade-Splitter (Built-in Emote)
- Various FNCS tournament cosmetics
- Championship celebration items
Companion Items
Potential Future Additions:
- Championship Back Bling designs
- Victory celebration emotes
- Exclusive loading screens
- Tournament-themed weapon wraps
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who currently has the Axe of Champions right now in June 2025?
The current championship pickaxe is called the “Blade of Champions,” not the traditional Axe of Champions. As of June 2025, the Blade of Champions is held by the 21 players who won FNCS Major 2 across all seven competitive regions. These include teams like Vayak3kk, Pixie, and MariusCOW from Europe; Ritual, Cold, and Peterbot from NA Central; and champions from Brazil, Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.
2. Can I buy the Axe of Champions in the Fortnite Item Shop?
The original Axe of Champions has never been available in the Item Shop and likely never will be. However, the Axe of Champions 2.0 can be purchased for 1,200 V-Bucks when it appears in rotation. The current Blade of Champions is exclusively available to FNCS winners and cannot be purchased.
3. How long do players keep the championship pickaxe?
Players keep the active championship pickaxe (currently the Blade of Champions) until new winners are determined in the next FNCS Major. This typically means holding it for 2-3 months between Major tournaments. However, players retain access to previous versions they’ve earned permanently.
4. What’s the difference between the original Axe of Champions and the Blade of Champions?
The original Axe of Champions was a golden, axe-style pickaxe used from Chapter 2 Season 2 to Chapter 3 Season 2. The Blade of Champions is the current championship reward, featuring a sword-style design with purple and gold colors, introduced in Chapter 5 Season 4. The Blade also includes a built-in emote for style transformation.
5. Will Epic Games release more championship pickaxe codes for the original Axe of Champions?
While Epic Games distributed original Axe of Champions codes at the 2025 FNCS Pro-Am, they haven’t announced plans for additional distributions. The company may choose to release it in the Item Shop eventually, following the pattern of the Axe of Champions 2.0, but this remains unconfirmed.
Conclusion
The question of “who has the axe of champions right now” reveals a complex and evolving ecosystem of competitive achievement in Fortnite. As of June 2025, the championship pickaxe landscape is dominated by the Blade of Champions, held exclusively by the 21 players who emerged victorious from FNCS Major 2 across seven competitive regions.
The evolution from the original Axe of Champions to the current Blade of Champions represents more than just cosmetic changes—it reflects the growth and maturation of Fortnite as a competitive esport. With $8 million in prize money for the 2025 season and the upcoming Global Championship in Lyon, France, the stakes have never been higher for these prestigious rewards.
For aspiring competitors, the path to earning a championship pickaxe remains challenging but achievable through dedicated practice, team coordination, and competitive progression. For fans and spectators, these exclusive items serve as immediate identifiers of the world’s best Fortnite players, creating moments of excitement and recognition in both casual and competitive gameplay.
As the competitive landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: championship pickaxes will continue to represent the pinnacle of achievement in Fortnite, serving as both rewards for the world’s best players and inspiration for the millions who aspire to join their ranks. The next opportunity to answer “who has the axe of champions right now” will come with FNCS Major 3 in August 2025, where new champions will emerge to carry forward this prestigious legacy.
This article was last updated on June 16, 2025. Championship pickaxe holders and competitive results are subject to change based on ongoing FNCS tournaments and Epic Games announcements.
