PUBG esports 2026 roadmap reveals main updates

Krafton has revealed an in depth breakdown of its beforehand introduced 2026 roadmap for PUBG esports, which brings extra matches and elevated prize swimming pools to the battle royale aggressive scene.

From the PUBG International Collection (PGS) in March to the PUBG International Championships (PGC) in December, right here is every part followers can count on from the sport’s esports scene this 12 months.

In line with Krafton’s weblog publish, the PUBG esports circuit will function on a season-based construction. There can be 4 PGS’s in whole, with three collection in every one, providing factors and qualification for main occasions such because the PGC.

The circuits will happen in March, Might, August and October. Between them are the Regional Collection occasions, happening in April and September. These are region-specific tournaments that permit groups earn spots in upcoming PGS occasions and in addition function direct {qualifications} to PGC.

Scrims and Regional Cups can even run all year long, from February to October, 2026. Regional Scrims are a direct pathway to Regional Cups, which additionally function qualifiers for the Regional Collection.

There can be three international occasions this 12 months. The PUBG Nations Cup in June can be a world match the place groups band collectively to symbolize their nation versus an organisation. PUBG can even function within the Esports World Cup 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on July. The circuit will then conclude in December with its crowning occasion, the PGC.

Each PUBG International Collection (PGS) will function 24 groups, which contains 12 international accomplice groups and 12 different groups from the Regional Collection. The primary half of the circuit will invite regional groups, whereas the second half will function the best-performing groups from the primary half.

The three collection inside a PGS will run over the span of three weeks (one every week), the place every collection efficiency carries ahead to the next week and the Ultimate.

All groups begin from zero within the first collection, taking part in to enhance their standings. The second week will seed groups primarily based on the earlier week’s efficiency, providing one other likelihood to climb the rankings. The third week will function the collection Ultimate, the place a Circuit Champion can be topped for the highest-ranked staff.

PGS 2026 includes a $2m (~£1.46m) prize pool throughout all 4 PGS splits. Prizes can even be distributed within the weekly collection, with the primary two collection awarding $100,000 (~£73,140) every, and the Ultimate making a gift of $300,000 (~£219,420) in prize pool funds.

The PUBG International Championships (PGC) is the coveted worldwide crowning occasion of the season, the place 32 of the highest groups all year long compete to be topped champion.

Out of the 32 groups competing, eight can be stuffed by the highest groups within the PGS Level standings, whereas the opposite 24 groups can be determined by way of the Regional Collection.

The competitors will function a tiered seeding and stage construction, the place higher-performing groups can be positioned in additional beneficial beginning positions. Ultimately, 16 groups will advance to the Grand Finals in a race to assert the 2026 Championship title.

Krafton additionally revealed a number of key ecosystem modifications to the PUBG esports ecosystem for 2026.

Partnered groups will obtain extra assist this season, with over $1m (~£732,700) in annual assist. Moreover, Area Cup prize swimming pools have been adjusted to roughly $130,000 (~£95,000) in whole.

Krafton acknowledged that the elevated prize swimming pools and assist ‘aren’t one-time insurance policies’ unique to 2026, and are a part of its plan to additional develop the esports scene sustainably over time.

New options are additionally coming to enhance the fan expertise. There can be revamped Choose’em Problem occasions, which permit gamers to earn in-game rewards for profitable predictions. Moreover, Krafton will introduce a brand new in-game esports fantasy league, alongside an esports go for gamers to unlock rewards.