Krafton Unveils Major PUBG Esports Overhaul for 2026 With Longer Season and Bigger Prizes

Kraftonhas revealed a major overhaul of the PUBG esports ecosystem for 2026, introducing a longer competitive season, more global tournaments, increased prize pools, and deeper integration with the core game.

The 2026 season will run almost continuously from March through December, signaling a shift toward a true year-round esports calendar. The changes are designed to create clearer competitive pathways, strengthen team sustainability, and bring fans closer to professional PUBG competition.

Extended Global Calendar

A significantly expanded PUBG Global Series (PGS) sits at the center of the new structure. The 2026 season will feature four global circuits, each made up of three consecutive series, resulting in 12 PGS events across the year.

In addition to PGS, each region will host two Regional Series events, scheduled for April and September, with full details to be announced later. The calendar also includes three major international tournaments: the PUBG Nations Cup in June, PUBG’s appearance at the Esports World Cup in July, and the PUBG Global Championship (PGC) in December.

From the opening PGS in March to the PGC finale at the end of the year, the season is set to deliver more than nine months of near-continuous competition.

Clearer Progression From Regional Play to PGC

The updated ecosystem follows a pyramid-style structure, connecting grassroots competition to the highest level of play. Open regional scrims and cups remain accessible, allowing new teams to enter the ecosystem and progress through Regional Series, PGS, and ultimately the PGC.

Regional Series results will play a key role in qualification for global events, particularly in the second half of the season. While some PGS slots in the first half will still be determined by invitations, second-half PGS qualification will strongly prioritize regional performance, emphasizing consistency and long-term competitiveness.

PGS as the Competitive Core

PGS is positioned as the centerpiece of the 2026 season. Each event will feature 24 teams, split evenly between global partner teams and Regional Series qualifiers.

Each circuit will unfold over three weeks, with results carrying over from the first series to the second and culminating in a final week that crowns a Circuit Champion. Krafton describes this format as a “three-week mini-season,” designed to create stronger storylines and sustained competitive tension.

Across all 12 PGS events, the total prize pool will reach $2 million. The first two series in each circuit will offer $100,000 each, while the Series Final will feature a larger $300,000 prize pool.

Increased Support for Teams

Beyond prize money, Krafton is expanding direct financial support for teams. Partner teams will share $1 million in annual support, while newly introduced regional cup prize pools will total approximately $130,000.

According to Krafton, the goal is to improve long-term stability across the ecosystem, helping teams that commit to a full season operate more sustainably rather than relying on short-term success.

Deeper In-Game Integration and Fan Engagement

The publisher is also strengthening the connection between esports and everyday PUBG gameplay. Planned features for 2026 include an updated Pick’em Challenge, the introduction of an in-game Esports Fantasy League, and a new Esports Pass aimed at boosting fan participation.

Efforts are also underway to better align Ranked Mode with professional competitive settings, including improved patch synchronization to reduce differences between public play and tournament environments.

With its expanded calendar, clearer progression paths, increased financial support, and deeper in-game features, Krafton positions the 2026 season as a foundational step toward a more sustainable and closely connected PUBG esports ecosystem.