Fortnite Cheater Fined $175,000 and Banned Permanently After Extensive Tournament Fraud

Legendary Fortnite Cheater Faces Record Fine and Lifetime Ban

A dedicated Fortnite player known for repeatedly cheating during competitive tournaments has been hit with a substantial penalty and a permanent ban from the game, according to Epic Games. This aggressive legal action underscores the developer’s commitment to maintaining fair play in its esports community.

Meet Sebastian Araujo: The Player Behind the Scandal

Hailing from Lomita, California, Sebastian Araujo participated in an astonishing 839 cash tournaments over just four months. During this period, he used specialized hardware and software designed to bypass Fortnite’s anti-cheat systems, violating the game’s rules and integrity. Epic Games swiftly responded by taking legal action against him.

The Legal Battle and Financial Penalties

Epic Games successfully sued Araujo after he attempted to dismiss the lawsuit. His tournament winnings, totaling at least $6,850, are dwarfed by the fines imposed. The developer demanded a hefty sum of $200 for each of the 839 violations—amounting to a total of approximately $167,800—plus additional legal fees and costs, which pushed the total to over $175,000.

According to court documents, Epic justified the high fine by highlighting Araujo’s efforts to conceal his cheating activities. He created multiple fake accounts and employed a hardware spoofer to evade detection, demonstrating a clear intent to cheat systematically.

Why Such a Heavy Penalty?

While Epic initially sought an extra $100,000 in damages for copyright infringement, the judge deemed this amount excessive compared to Araujo’s actual gains. The final fine reflects a balance between penalizing the misconduct and avoiding disproportionate punishment.

Setting a Precedent in the Gaming Community

This case is not isolated. Earlier this year, Epic publicly shamed another Fortnite cheater by forcing them to post an apology video and banning them for life. These actions serve as powerful deterrents to discourage others from cheating.

Charitable Donations and Community Impact

The money collected from Araujo’s fine will be donated to Child’s Play, a charity dedicated to improving children’s lives through access to toys and games. Epic’s approach combines strict enforcement with social responsibility, aiming to foster a healthier gaming environment.

Epic’s Ongoing Fight Against Cheaters

Epic’s crackdown on cheating started in November 2024 when the company announced plans to intensify legal actions against cheaters and those selling cheat tools. The recent high-profile case and the permanent ban highlight the company’s dedication to protecting fair competition and integrity in Fortnite tournaments.

By making an example out of Araujo, Epic hopes to dissuade other players from engaging in similar misconduct, ensuring a more level playing field for all participants.

Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on social media @tomphillipseg.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.