PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS returns to the Esports World Cup in 2026, as 24 of the world's top clubs prepare to compete for a share of the $2,000,000 prize pool from July 21 to 26.
The Esports World Cup is one of the largest multi-title competitions in esports, bringing together the top clubs across every major title under one stage. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS at 2026 Esports World Cup continues the title's presence at the event, building on the journey that crowned Twisted Minds as the EWC 2025 champions.
What's New for 2026
The path to EWC has changed. In 2026, seeding is determined directly by performance across the official PUBG Esports calendar — the PUBG Global Series (PGS) and the seven regional series held in the first half of the year. Every match from PGS 1 through PGS 6 fed straight into qualification.
Tournament Overview
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS at 2026 Esports World Cup
Dates: July 21–26, 2026
Teams: 24
Prize pool: $2,000,000
Stage Format
Group Stage
Grand Finals
Schedule
July 21 — Group Stage (Groups A + B)
July 22 — Group Stage (Groups A + C)
July 23 — Group Stage (Groups B + C)
July 24–26 — Grand Finals
Seed Allocation The 24 slots are filled through three pathways:
Title Defender: the reigning EWC champion, Twisted Minds
PGS Points seeds: the top 9 teams in cumulative PGS Points across PGS 1 through PGS 6
Regional Series (PGC Points) seeds: the top 2 teams from each of the seven regional series, decided by regional PGC Points (Americas, China, EMEA, Korea, Rest of APAC, Thailand, Vietnam)
Participating Teams
All 24 teams have been confirmed through the Title Defender seed, the PGS Points standings, and the regional series.
Title Defender
Twisted Minds
PGS Points
17 Gaming
AG.AL
DN SOOPers
Four Angry Men
MiTH
Natus Vincere
Petrichor Road
T1
Virtus.pro
Regional Series (PGC Points)
Americas: Team Falcons, Team Liquid
China: JD Gaming, TYLOO
EMEA: Team Nemesis, Team Vitality
Korea: Geekay Esports, Gen.G Esports
Rest of APAC: R8 Esports, Shadow Esports
Thailand: FULL SENSE, Sharper Esports
Vietnam: GAM Esports, The Vicious Esports
The full lineup is set. The road to EWC 2026 leads to July.
Follow Along
For more on PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS at EWC 26, visit the official EWC event page: PUBG: Battlegrounds | Esports World Cup