Pakistan’s 4Thrives Esports have been eliminated from PUBG Mobile Global Open (PMGO) 2026 Season 2 after finishing last in Group B. Their early exit comes as the tournament faces criticism over match delays, venue arrangements, and broadcast production.
The event, taking place in Lahore from October 20 to 25, marks Pakistan’s first time hosting an international S-tier PUBG Mobile tournament. However, the opening stages have drawn attention for concerns surrounding the event’s organisation.
4Thrives’ Title Defence Ends Early
According to the tournament coverage by Sportskeeda and TalkEsport, defending champions 4Thrives failed to secure progression from the Group Stage. The Pakistani team finished 16th in Group B with 11 points across six matches, recording eight eliminations and three placement points.
Their elimination means they will not compete in either the Survival Stage or the Grand Finals. The result is a setback for the squad, which entered Season 2 following its championship victory in PMGO 2026 Season 1.
With 4Thrives out of contention, the tournament will have a new champion this season.
PMGO 2026 Faces Criticism Over Event Setup
TalkEsport reported concerns about the spectator experience at the Lahore event. According to the publication, fans have reportedly been unable to watch matches from inside the playing venue, with a separate viewing arrangement used instead.
The tournament’s stage presentation has also attracted criticism. The absence of prominent team entrances during Group Stage broadcasts has disappointed viewers expecting the atmosphere associated with major international LAN events.
Questions have additionally been raised about the exact competition venue, as the available event information identifies Lahore as the host city without clearly confirming the specific arena.
Match Delays Frustrate Viewers
Another major concern involves the time taken to complete matches. TalkEsport reported that the Day 2 broadcast took approximately eight to nine hours to finish six matches.
The extended schedule prompted frustration among viewers waiting for the action to begin. While technical problems and delays can occur at esports events, repeated interruptions and insufficient communication can affect the viewing experience.
These concerns have added to the criticism surrounding an event that was expected to showcase Pakistan’s growing PUBG Mobile esports scene.
Grand Finals Provide an Opportunity to Improve
PMGO 2026 Season 2 is scheduled to conclude on October 24 and 25, with 16 teams set to compete in the Grand Finals. The remaining stages give organisers an opportunity to improve the broadcast presentation and spectator experience.
Despite the criticism, the tournament remains an important milestone for Pakistan’s esports industry. However, 4Thrives’ elimination and the reported organisational concerns have overshadowed parts of its opening stages.
The focus now shifts to the remaining contenders as they compete for the PMGO 2026 Season 2 title.