PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS at EWC 26 Survival Guide

The 24 championship hopefuls are divided into three seeded groups, with each group facing the others across six rounds of matches during the Group Stage. After 18 total matches, the top 16 teams will advance to the Finals weekend, while the bottom eight teams will be eliminated.

Over three days, the Finals will feature up to 18 matches, with a maximum of six played each day. On the final day, the Smash Rule will come into effect: Once a team reaches the match-point threshold, they must secure a Chicken Dinner in a subsequent round to be crowned champion. If no match-point team claims a Chicken Dinner during the final six matches, the team with the highest overall point total will lift the trophy.

Don’t get it twisted, the champs are still dangerous

Last year’s EWC champions, PUBG Global Series 9 2025 winners, and Series 10 runners-up Twisted Minds return to defend their title, but the club's status as the team to beat has faded. The CIS region squad has yet to claim a tournament victory in 2026 and has seen a gradual decline following its incredible 2025 season.

However, the EWC stage has a way of bringing out the best in champions, and Twisted Minds knows what it takes to win under pressure. In a format where every match can swing the standings, expect the defending champions to be in the hunt for plenty of Chicken Dinners.

From Thailand to Paris

Made in Thailand enter EWC 26 as one of the strongest teams in the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS scene. The club has rapidly climbed the competitive rankings in recent months, transforming from a rising contender into a championship-winning roster after claiming both the PUBG Global Series 2026 Circuit 2 Series 1 and the PGS 2026 Circuit 2 Series Final in quick succession.

With recent international success and additional victories in regional competition, the club arrives in Paris with significant momentum. However, as one of the tournament favorites, Made in Thailand will also enter EWC 26 with every opponent looking to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the world.

Waking the bear

Virtus.pro claimed the PUBG Global Series 2026 Circuit 1 Series Final earlier this year, but the club has struggled to replicate that success in recent months. The rise of teams like Made in Thailand and SOOPers has reshaped the competitive landscape, pushing Virtus.pro out of the spotlight despite their proven championship pedigree.

After securing a respectable second-place finish at the EMEA Finals, Virtus.pro enter EWC 26 looking to rediscover their winning form and prove they remain one of the world’s top PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS teams.

Club Championship

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is a crucial tournament in the Club Championship race, especially for the two clubs currently leading the standings. Natus Vincere and Team Vitality enter the tournament among the teams competing for valuable points, with a strong finish providing an opportunity to extend their lead over the rest of the field.

However, with clubs like Team Falcons, Virtus.pro, Gen.G, and Team Liquid also in contention, the standings could shift dramatically by the end of the competition.