The Esports World Cup Foundation has officially confirmed that PUBG: Battlegrounds will be featured in the first-ever Esports Nations Cup 2026. This exciting global competition will take place in Riyadh, bringing national teams together for an intense battle royale showdown.
The tournament is scheduled to run from November 2 to November 29, 2026, while PUBG matches will be played between November 11 and November 15.
PUBG Esports Nations Cup 2026 Format
The competition will feature 24 national teams, all competing for a place in the top 16 Grand Final.
Group Stage
24 teams divided into 3 groups of 8
Each group plays 5 matches
Overall standings determine qualification
After the group stage, the top 16 teams will advance to the Grand Final.
Grand Final System
The Grand Final will follow the Smash Rule format, making the competition more intense and strategic.
Maximum of 10 matches
Teams must:
Reach a specific points threshold
Then secure a Chicken Dinner to win the championship
If no team meets the winning condition early, all 10 matches will be played to decide the winner.
Since teams represent their countries instead of esports organizations, fans can expect aggressive gameplay, risky strategies, and high-pressure finishes.
Qualification Process for PUBG ENC 2026
Not all teams will qualify directly at the main event. The 24 slots will be filled through a mix of invitations and qualifiers.
Direct Invitations
12 teams will receive invites based on national rankings
Online Qualifiers
10 teams will qualify through regional online competitions
Matches will take place from July 10 to July 12, 2026
Format: Double elimination
Minimum 12 matches played
Wildcard Entries
2 teams will earn wildcard spots
Regional Slot Distribution
Americas: 2 teams
Europe + Middle East + Africa: 4 teams
Asia: 2 teams
Southeast Asia + Oceania: 2 teams
Rankings will be calculated using the official PUBG performance system developed by KRAFTON, based on players’ results in major tournaments. The final ranking cutoff date is June 7, 2026.
PUBG at the Esports World Cup
PUBG has already proven its popularity at global esports events. During the Esports World Cup 2025, matches were held at the Qiddiya Esports Arena, where Twisted Minds delivered an incredible performance with multiple Chicken Dinners.
The tournament ended in a dramatic final match, with Gen.G and Team Falcons still in contention until the very end.
Final Thoughts
The PUBG Esports Nations Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest international battle royale events of the year. With national pride at stake and a unique format like the Smash Rule, fans can expect thrilling gameplay and unforgettable moments.
More updates, including the final list of participating countries and additional esports titles, will be revealed as the event approaches.
