PUBG Global Series Circuit 2 Kicks Off
The PUBG Global Series (PGS) returns with its second circuit, PGS 4-6, starting May 20 in Seoul. Twenty-four teams will compete for a total prize pool of $500,000 and crucial PGS Points that carry over from Circuit 1, directly impacting qualification for the Esports World Cup (EWC).
Circuit 2 isn't a fresh start; the points earned in Circuit 1 are vital. The top 8 teams in cumulative first-half PGS Points will secure EWC spots. A new game patch also introduces significant changes, challenging established strategies.
Circuit 2 Overview
- Location: Seongsu, Seoul, South Korea
- Participating Teams: 24 Teams
- Total Prize Pool: $500,000 (PGS 4-5: $100,000 each / PGS 6: $300,000)
- Match Start Times: 19:00 KST (10:00 UTC / 11:00 CET / 17:00 ICT / 03:00 PDT) daily. *PGS 4 Day 1 Group Stage begins at 14:00 KST (05:00 UTC / 06:00 CET / 12:00 ICT / 22:00 PDT†). † Previous day (May 19)
Group Stage seeding for Circuit 2 was determined by a snake draft based on PGS 3 final standings, with Circuit 1 results shaping the starting line.
Impact of Game Updates
Circuit 2 will run on the April Update (Patch 41.1) for PGS 4 and 5, introducing several strategic shifts:
- Terrain Destruction: Erangel now features expanded terrain destruction, joining Rondo, Taego, Sanhok, and Miramar. This allows players to create cover and new routes using grenades, mortars, Panzerfausts, C4, pickaxes, and vehicle explosions.
- Gunplay: The new Hybrid Scope offers instant 1x and 4x magnification, replacing the Canted Sight and influencing attachment choices. Grip-tier changes and recoil adjustments to key weapons will also necessitate revised loadouts.
- Gameplay: New additions include the Emergency Support Flare, expanded Trigger Backpack tiers, and enhanced BlueChip Tower functionality. Destroying enemy BlueChips can now be used to call in air supply drops, turning them into a strategic resource rather than just an obstacle.
PGS 6, the final series of Circuit 2, will incorporate the May Update, with details to follow in its patch notes.
Map Order Adjustments
The map pool remains Erangel, Miramar, Taego, and Rondo, but the order has been adjusted:
| Stage | Match 1 | Match 2 | Match 3 | Match 4 | Match 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage (PGS 4) | Erangel | Miramar | Taego | — | — |
| Winners / Survival / Final D1 / Grand Finals D1·D3 | Erangel | Miramar | Taego | Rondo | Erangel |
| Final D2 / Grand Finals D2 | Taego | Erangel | Rondo | Miramar | Taego |
- The Group Stage maintains an Erangel → Miramar → Taego cycle for all nine matches.
- Key changes: Taego appears earlier, and the Final Stage and Grand Finals Day 2 have been restructured, making match flow less predictable.
EWC Qualification and PGS 6
Circuit 2 is the final battle for EWC qualification in the first half of the season. The top 9 teams in cumulative PGS Points from PGS 1-6 will earn EWC spots (2025 EWC champions Twisted Minds hold a separate seed). These results also form a key foundation for direct qualification to PGC 2026 for the top 8 teams.
PGS 6 is particularly crucial, as it awards double PGS Points compared to PGS 4 and 5, making the Series Final week a high-stakes event.
How to Watch
All PGS 4-6 matches will be broadcast live from 19:00 KST daily on official PUBG Esports channels, including Twitch and YouTube, as well as regional broadcast partners and co-streamers. *PGS 4 Day 1 Group Stage begins at 14:00 KST.
Dev Letter: Map Selection for Random Map Regions
In a related update, the developers have addressed map selection for regions utilizing random map queues. This announcement provides further details on how map preferences are being managed and evolved to enhance player experience in these regions.
This comprehensive update ensures that both competitive integrity and player experience are at the forefront as PUBG Esports continues its global circuit and game development.
