'Fortnite' FNCS Semi-Finals Heats Start Time, Format, Leaderboard and How to Watch

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Fortnite Season 5 is about to come to a close, and that means the FNCS Semi-Finals have arrived. Following three weeks of qualifiers, the top 132 trios from each region are eligible to compete in the next round of high-stakes Fortnite. In this event roundup, we reveal the full schedule of start times, formats and links to the latest leaderboard. Find out if your favorite trio will advance to the finals to earn a big cash prize.

What time do the FNCS Semi-Finals start?

As has been true for the past three weeks of qualifiers, the start time of the semi-finals depends heavily on the region you intend to watch. Here's the full list of start times for all four Heats listed in Eastern Standard Time.

'Fortnite' starts its Season 5 FNCS Semi-Finals on March 6, and we want to make sure you see it all. Learn how to access the stream and leaderboard below. 'Fortnite' is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC and Android. Epic Games

NA East

Heat 1 [March 6]: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST
Heat 2 [March 6]: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST
Heat 3 [March 7]: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST
Heat 4 [March 7]: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST
Reboot Round March 7]: 8: 30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m EST

NA West

Heat 1 [March 6]: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST
Heat 2 [March 6]: 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. EST
Heat 3 [March 7]: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST
Heat 4 [March 7]: 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. EST
Reboot Round [March 8] 12:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. EST

Europe

Heat 1 [March 6]: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST
Heat 2 [March 6]: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST
Heat 3 [March 7]: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST
Heat 4 [March 7]: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST
Reboot Round [March 7]: 4:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. EST

Oceania

Heat 1 [March 5]: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST
Heat 2 [March 6]: 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. EST
Heat 3 [March 6]: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST
Heat 4 [March 7]: 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. EST
Reboot Round [March 7]: 3:30 a.m. to 3:45 a.m. EST

Brazil

Heat 1 [March 6]: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST
Heat 2 [March 6]: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST
Heat 3 [March 7]: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST
Heat 4 [March 7]: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST
Reboot Round [March 7]: 5:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. EST

Asia

Heat 1 [March 5]: 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. EST
Heat 2 [March 6]: 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. EST
Heat 3 [March 6]: 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. EST
Heat 4 [March 7]: 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. EST
Reboot Round [March 7]: 6:30 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. EST

Middle East

Heat 1 [March 5]: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST
Heat 2 [March 5]: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST
Heat 3 [March 6]: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST
Heat 4 [March 6]: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST
Reboot Round [March 6]: 2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. EST

As usual, each Epic account can only play within the region of their previous qualifier, so you can't get multiple tries to advance to the finals. Just stick to the start time listed above, and you'll be guaranteed one solid shot at Battle Royale glory.

How to watch the FNCS Semi-Finals

fortnite fncs semifinal start time leaderboard drops — If you watch a supported stream, you'll be able to get these cosmetics as Twitch Drops. Epic Games

As has been true throughout the qualifiers, the best place for English-speaking audiences to stay up to date on the FNCS Semi-Finals is via the official Fortnite Twitch channel. Shoutcasters will narrate the highlights of each match as they happen, while also keeping an eye on the overall standings. Those who watch while logged in to Twitch will also have another chance to get some free in-game cosmetics too.

What is the FNCS Season 5 Semi-Finals format?

As stated above, the FNCS Semi-Finals feature 132 teams per region, consisting of the top 10 teams from each qualifier and the top 102 teams from the cumulative Series Point leaderboard. These 132 trios are split up into four Heats. In this round, the top eight teams from each Heat automatically advance to the finals. One team ranked ninth through 16th will have a chance to fight their way back in via the single-match Reboot Round immediately after the Heats conclude.

Here's the basic scoring format for each Heat.

Maximum of six matches
Victory Royale: 30 Points
Second: 25 Points
Third: 20 Points
Fourth: 14 Points
Fifth: 13 Points
Sixth: 12 Points
Seventh: 11 Points
Eighth: 10 Points
Ninth: nine Points
10th: eight Points
11th: seven Points
12th: six Points
13th: five Points
14th four Points
15th: three Points
16th: two Points
17th: one Point
Eliminations: two Points each

How to find the FNCS Semi-Finals leaderboard and standings

If you want to keep track of the FNCS Semi-Finals leaderboard, there are a few ways to get the job done. The most obvious method is to watch the leaderboard via Fortnite's in-game Competitive tab while the event is underway. Go to the tile for the event, and press the designated button to view the leaderboard.

There are also external methods, of course, such as the official Fortnite leaderboard website and third-party sites like Fortnite Tracker. In both cases, just make sure you click the right tab to ensure you're looking at the correct results for the region you're interested in. That's all you need to know about the FNCS Season 5 Semi-Finals.

Fortnite is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC and mobile.

Who will advance to the FNCS finals? Will there be any surprises on this week's leaderboard? Tell us in the comments section!