Krafton has unveiled a sweeping overhaul of the PUBG esports ecosystem for 2026, featuring a longer season, more global events, larger prize pools, and deeper in-game integration.

The 2026 PUBG Esports season will run almost uninterrupted from March through December, marking a shift toward a true year-round calendar. Here are the biggest points in the 2026 PUBG esports update.

Longer Global Calendar

At the heart of the changes is a significantly expanded PUBG Global Series (PGS). The 2026 season will feature four global circuits, each comprising three consecutive series, for a total of 12 PGS events across the year.

Alongside PGS, each region will host two Regional Series (one in April and one in September) with detailed schedules to be confirmed. The global calendar is rounded out by three major international events: 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, Krafton says its aim is to deliver more than nine months of near-continuous competition.

Clearer Pathways From Grassroots to PGC

The 2026 ecosystem is built around a pyramid structure that aims to connect every level of play, from open scrims and cups to Regional Series, to PGS, and ultimately to PGC.

Regional scrims and cups will remain open, allowing new teams to enter the ecosystem and work their way up. Performance in the Regional Series will play a major role in qualification for PGS, global events, and PGC, particularly in the second half of the season.

While first-half PGS slots will still be partly decided by invitations, second-half selections will heavily prioritise Regional Series results, reinforcing the importance of consistent regional performance.

PGS as the Competitive Centrepiece

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

Each circuit will unfold across three weeks, with results carrying over from Series 1 to Series 2 and into a final week that crowns a Circuit Champion. Krafton describes each circuit as a “three-week mini-season,” designed to give fans a clearer narrative arc and sustained competitive tension.

Across all 12 PGS events, the total prize pool will reach $2 million. Individual circuits will award $100,000 for each of the first two series, with a larger $300,000 prize pool reserved for the Series Final.

Bigger Support for Teams

Beyond prize money, Krafton is increasing direct team support. Partner teams will share $1 million in annual support, while new regional cup prize pools will total around $130,000.

Krafton stressed that these measures are not just about rewarding winners, but about helping teams that commit to the full season operate more sustainably, making a long-term investment rather than a one-year boost.

In-Game Integration and Fan Engagement

The publisher is also pushing to bring esports closer to the core PUBG experience. Plans for 2026 include a revamped Pick’em Challenge, the introduction of an in-game Esports Fantasy League, and a new Esports Pass aimed at increasing fan participation.

Krafton also highlighted efforts to better align Ranked Mode with competitive settings, including improved patch synchronization, to narrow the gap between everyday play and professional competition.

With its expanded calendar, clearer pathways, and deeper in-game integration, Krafton says the 2026 season represents a foundational step toward a healthier, more sustainable PUBG esports ecosystem—and a closer connection between players, teams, and fans.