PUBG overhauls esports circuit amid Vietnam boycott, falling viewership

Krafton on Friday announced its plans for the 2027 PUBG esports season, outlining major changes to the number of tournaments, team qualification process and points system.

The most significant change concerns the PUBG Global Series (PGS), the game's leading international tournament circuit.

PUBG international viewership plunges by more than 60%

In 2026, Krafton organized 12 PGS events. 

Under the newly announced plan, however, the circuit will be reduced to just four phases in 2027, each featuring regional qualifiers followed by a corresponding PGS event.

This means the existing 12-event PGS format will no longer continue in its current form, a move seen as a major setback for PUBG.

The change is particularly notable because Krafton announced in February 2026 that it would increase investment, expand the competition schedule and raise prize money to develop PUBG esports.

The restructuring comes as PUBG faces a strong backlash following the permanent bans imposed on Vietnamese players Himass and TanVuu on September 23.

Krafton's decision prompted large numbers of Vietnamese gamers and streamers to announce boycotts, stop broadcasting the game or delete it.

Some PUBG community members in China and Thailand also voiced opposition.

Meanwhile, recent international tournaments have seen a sharp decline in viewership.

According to Esports Charts, PGS 8 in August attracted an average of 132,108 viewers, with peak viewership reaching 263,037.

At PGS 11, which ended on October 25, average viewership fell to just 48,476, a drop of 63.3 percent. Peak viewership also declined by 65.9 percent to 89,603.

These figures point to weakening interest in PUBG esports. However, there is no confirmed evidence that the 2027 tournament restructuring was driven by the boycott wave or falling viewership.

What lies ahead for PUBG in Vietnam?

Along with restructuring the tournament circuit, Krafton has decided to end guaranteed PGS spots for global partner teams.

Starting in 2027, all teams, including long-standing partners, will have to qualify through regional tournaments to secure a place in the PGS. The change could affect Vietnamese teams.

Krafton is also revising the points system for qualification for the PUBG Global Championship (PGC). 

Under the new system, PGC qualification points will be based on results in the PGS, rather than a combination of international and regional points as before.

However, two major PUBG tournaments, the PUBG Nations Cup and PGC, will remain on the 2027 calendar, scheduled for July and the end of the year, respectively.

PUBG's competitive scene in Vietnam is also facing uncertainty. Following the bans on Himass and TanVuu, former world champion team The Expendables disbanded, while PUBG Vietnam Series 2026 Phase 2 was ended early by Krafton.

The publisher has yet to announce specific plans for Vietnam's domestic tournament circuit under the new system.