PGL Revises Payout System Following Team Boycotts

PGL has announced major changes to its prize distribution system ahead of PGL Bucharest 2025, which kicks off on April 5.

While the $1,250,000 total prize pool remains unchanged, the payout structure has been overhauled:

• 50% of the prize pool will now be awarded directly to teams.
• The remaining 50% will go to organizations.

Why Did PGL Change the Payout System?

• Previously, PGL paid organizations a fixed amount, which led to dissatisfaction among top teams.
• To remain competitive with ESL and BLAST, which offer performance-based bonuses, PGL has aligned its structure to incentivize participation.

Team Boycotts Sparked the Overhaul

• At PGL Cluj-Napoca, top teams Spirit, NAVI, Vitality, and G2 refused to participate due to payment concerns.
• In PGL Bucharest 2025, NAVI and Spirit have once again declined, as their academy rosters were invited to the closed qualifiers instead.
• This prompted PGL to revise its policies in a bid to attract top-tier teams, increase viewership, and boost tournament revenue.

PGL Bucharest 2025 Overview

• Dates: April 6–13
• Location: Bucharest, Romania
• Teams: 16
• Prize Pool:$625,000 for teams + $625,000 for organizations

With these changes, PGL aims to prevent further withdrawals and solidify its standing as a premier tournament organizer.