The Giro d’Italia has officially entered the gaming world with a debut on Fortnite. Developed by Epic Games, a new integration takes the iconic ‘Corsa Rosa’ Grand Tour into one of the most popular digital ecosystems via an innovative custom-built map.
The new gaming initiative is a collaboration between event organiser RCS Sport and NOVO Esports, an Italian specialist in the international competitive gaming scene. RCS Sport is the organiser of the Giro d’Italia and is responsible for many of Italy’s premier sporting events.
The custom map on Fortnite is inspired by eight official stage locations from the 109th edition of the Giro d’Italia: Catanzaro, Naples, the Blockhaus summit in Abruzzo, Viareggio, Aosta, Milan, Gemona del Friuli, and the finishing line in Rome.
Players can virtually ride along the official route, navigating paved roads and intermediate checkpoints. The project also introduces exclusive in-game content, such as the opportunity to collect official Giro d’Italia jerseys.
A significant development for the platform is the introduction of bicycles as a means of transportation, marking the first time they have been featured in the game’s history. DE ROSA Bikes, the official bike supplier of the Giro d’Italia 2026, is a partner in the project.
The experience is designed to replicate a true stage race. Players compete for the best times across multiple stages with the ultimate goal of claiming the Giro d’Italia Trophy. By tapping into the Fortnite ecosystem, which has over 650 million registered users, the initiative seeks to engage a young and international audience.
Roberto Salamini, Head of Marketing & Communication at RCS Sports & Events, said “Launching on Fortnite marks a strategic step in expanding the Giro d’Italia’s digital ecosystem and strengthening our positioning as an international entertainment platform. This is an ambitious, highly innovative project: for the first time, bicycles become part of the gameplay, bringing a distinctive asset of the Corsa Rosa into a native digital and highly engaging environment.”
Emanuele Acerbis, CEO of NOVO Esports, said “Together with RCS, we’ve made the Giro d’Italia a key player on Fortnite, transforming the Corsa Rosa into a unique digital experience. It’s a project where tradition meets innovation, designed to introduce the Giro to a younger, new audience while building a bridge between a parent’s passion and a child’s interests.”
The project will also have a physical presence through a dedicated stand featuring four gaming stations at COMICON Naples on April 30 – May 3, 2026, and Milan Games Week on November 27–29, 2026.
A communication plan will roll out across the race’s social and digital channels, supported by gaming talents such as Riccardo Pizzinelli, a prominent figure in the Italian Fortnite community.
