The PUBG Nations Cup (PNC) 2026 is set to begin, bringing together 24 teams to compete for national pride and a share of the $500,000 base prize pool, augmented by crowdfunding. Hosted in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from June 23rd to June 28th, this sixth edition of the PNC promises to be the biggest and most special event yet.
Tournament Format and Schedule
PNC 2026 will feature two main stages: the Survival Stage and the Grand Finals, with 5 matches played per day.
- Survival Stage: 2 days / 10 matches total
- Grand Finals: 3 days / 15 matches total
The top 8 teams from PNC 2025 will automatically advance to the Grand Finals. The remaining 16 teams will battle it out in the Survival Stage for the remaining 8 Grand Finals slots. The champion will be determined by cumulative points over the three days of the Grand Finals.
Direct Grand Finals Participants (8 Teams)
- Defending Champion: Vietnam
- Brazil, China, Germany, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, United States of America
Survival Stage Participants (16 Teams)
- Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Denmark, Finland, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Neutral Team, Norway, Philippines, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom
Competitive Settings Update
PNC 2026 will implement adjusted Blue Zone settings for a more compact and fast-paced match flow:
- Shorter early Blue Zone phases: Reduced duration for Phases 1 and 2.
- Shorter final Blue Zone phase: Reduced duration for Phase 9.
- Removal of Land Ratio option: Disabled for Phases 4 and 8.
- Adjusted circle size: Overall reduction in circle radius to match shorter match lengths.
Top Contenders for PNC 2026
Guest columnist and caster Jisuboy provides an in-depth look at the teams poised to lift the trophy.
Natus Vincere Assemble - Ukraine
Ukraine's roster is largely composed of former Natus Vincere (NAVI) players, including the formidable Hakatory, who was the undisputed best fragger in the 2026 PGS. Joined by DIFX, Feyerist, and boost1k, their synergy and individual mechanics are exceptional, often leading to high win rates in raw aim duels. Their main weakness, however, lies in squad preservation, with a significantly lower revival count compared to other top teams. Opponents may exploit this vulnerability by targeting moments of knock feeds.
- ACE - Hakatory: The number one candidate for the World's Best Gunner, known for his aggressive offensive power. His synergy with rookie fragger boost1k is particularly strong.
USA
The USA team has shown consistent improvement, moving from 10th in 2019 to runners-up in 2024. This year's roster features veterans Shrimzy and Kickstart, known for their mid-to-long-range shooting, alongside the strategic prowess of PurdyKurty, nicknamed "Professor" for his precise grenade throws and solid macro play. Newcomer Cowboi adds aggressive individual mechanics, excelling at holding key strongholds. Their balanced approach and calmness are expected to secure a high placement, with potential for a championship run if they increase their aggressive tendencies.
- ACE - Shrimzy: The most stable and consistent player for the USA, excelling in infighting and mid-to-long-range firepower. His current form will be crucial for the team's success.
The First Trophy - China
Despite losing key players like MMing and Aixleft, China's 2026 team is considered their strongest yet, with high championship potential. Led by commander Lilghost, known for his phenomenal judgment in occupying good spots and adjusting defense pacing, the team is hard to breach. Their throwables, particularly from 17Gaming's roster, are world-class. xwudd from 17Gaming is a standout fragger with innate close-quarters combat sense and psychological reading abilities. With three players and coach Akuma from 17Gaming, their synergy and strategy are highly refined.
- ACE - tiantian: A newly selected representative from 17Gaming, tiantian is a feared player with excellent combat sense and high proficiency across all weapons, including absurdly precise mortar accuracy.
KISS the Trophy - Thailand
Thai teams have been on a roll, with FULL SENSE winning PGC 2025 and Made in Thailand (MiTH) securing two PGS wins in 2026. This year's national team combines the best of both, featuring Belmoth, last year's PGC MVP and a top long-range shooter, and TiGGER, known for aggressive hit-and-run tactics and outstanding close-quarters skills. Scappy provides stability with his masterful indoor defense and selfless play. The key for Thailand will be bridging the distinct macro directions of FS and MiTH players and overcoming the overall elevated skill level of other teams.
- ACE - KISS: A perfect hexagon player with flawless infighting, innate combat sense, pressure plays, and composure. Considered the player with the highest stock value, his versatility and unpredictable movements make him extremely dangerous.
The Golden Star of PNC - Vietnam
Defending champions Vietnam dominated PNC 2025 with an overwhelming 61-point lead. Their roster remains unchanged, with legendary coach DjChip at the helm. Captain and IGL Delwyn is a world-class strategist, known for unique rotation routes and effective post-death shotcalling. TanVuu is building an ultimate career, having won PGC 2024 and PNC 2025, excelling in survival and combat. Solozy is peaking in form, showcasing high weapon understanding and flawless movements. While recent PGS records show some inconsistency, giving Vietnam an opening could be fatal, as their explosive combat power and smart macro are hard to stop.
- ACE - Himass: The icon and superstar of Vietnam, Himass is a candidate for the greatest player of all time. His AR first-bullet accuracy is razor-sharp, and his ability to overcome numerical disadvantages is legendary. He is also proficient with the Lynx AMR, making him a threat at all ranges.
Spear, Shield, Commander, Captain - South Korea
After winning PNC in 2023 and 2024 but finishing 8th in 2025, South Korea has re-evaluated its roster, focusing on balance. Heather (Ji-hoon Cha) of T1 is the "sharpest spear," a flame-like frontline fragger with high win rates in 1vsMany fights and proficiency in all weapons. Heaven (Tae-sung Kim) is the "ultimate shield," a consistent performer and two-time PNC champion, known for clutch saves in critical moments. Gyumin (Gyu-min Shim) of DN Soopers (DNS) is the "commander," an IGL with excellent situational reading and combat abilities. Finally, veteran SeongJang (Jung-hwan Seong) is the "captain," providing tuning, perfect throwing abilities, and exceptional Kill Steal (KS) skills. While their raw combat power might be slightly behind, their ability to read the flow of crucial moments makes them a formidable force.
- ACE - Heaven: South Korea's Guardian Deity, Heaven is the player who consistently stabilizes a collapsing team. His silent, team-focused gameplay has been central to South Korea's two PNC championships, and he now aims for an unprecedented third star.
Prize Pool and Crowdfunding
PNC 2026 features a base prize pool of $500,000. An additional 25% of the revenue from the PNC 2026 Event Pass will be added to the total prize pool through crowdfunding. The prize money and sales revenue share will be distributed equally among each team's roster. Further details on the Event Pass will be announced separately.
