PUBG Esports will introduce major changes to its competitive structure in 2027, including India becoming a separate region and existing regions being divided into smaller competitions. Announced by Krafton on October 29, the new format aims to give more teams opportunities to qualify for international tournaments.
The changes will also remove guaranteed PUBG Global Series (PGS) slots for Global Partner Teams, meaning every team will have to qualify through regional competition in each phase.
India Gets Its Own Competitive Region
India will become a standalone competitive region in 2027, creating a dedicated route for local teams to compete for places at the PUBG Global Series. The change recognises India's large PUBG player and fan community and could provide more opportunities for Indian teams to reach the international stage.
The existing EMEA region will split into Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Meanwhile, the Americas will separate into North America and South America. Each region will have its own Regional League, where teams compete to qualify for the corresponding PGS event.
Four Phases Will Shape the 2027 Season
The 2027 calendar will feature four phases, each connecting a Regional League to a corresponding PGS tournament. Teams must qualify again for every phase, as earning a place in one PGS event will not guarantee entry into the next.
The season is scheduled to begin with Phase 1 in late March, followed by Phase 2 from mid-May to mid-June. The PUBG Nations Cup is planned for early July, while Phase 3 will run from early August to mid-September and Phase 4 from late September to early November.
The year will conclude with the PUBG Global Championship (PGC), scheduled for late November to early December. The dates remain subject to change.
Partner Teams Must Qualify Through Performance
One of the biggest changes affects Global Partner Teams. From 2027, these organisations will no longer receive guaranteed PGS places. Instead, they must earn qualification through their regional league performances like other competing teams.
The partnership programme will focus on collaborative in-game items and marketing activities. This means established organisations will have to maintain their competitive performance to secure international tournament appearances.
New Points System Introduced
PUBG Esports will replace its existing PGC and PGS points systems with a unified PUBG Esports Points system. Under the new structure, points will be awarded only for performances at PGS tournaments and accumulated throughout the season towards PGC qualification.
Krafton has yet to reveal the detailed points distribution, regional league formats, or complete PGC qualification rules. Further announcements are expected before the 2027 season begins.
With India joining the regional structure and guaranteed partner slots being removed, the new system could create more opportunities for emerging teams while increasing the pressure on established organisations to qualify consistently.