PUBG Esports World Cup 2026 preview: Which teams are in contention?

Jon Nicholson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 22/07/2026

PUBG: Battlegrounds at the Esports World Cup (EWC) is packed full of notable names looking to take home the lion’s share of a $2.025m prize pool. As one of the world’s biggest PUBG tournaments, there are several teams in with a chance of becoming the last one standing and lifting the trophy.

Before the Grand Finals get underway, we take a closer look at the notable storylines and the rosters capable of earning a Winner Winner Chicken Dinner on the big stage.

With battle royale esports tending to throw up surprises, the range of betting on the outright tournament winner reflects that an array of teams have a real chance of taking the title in Paris. We’ve taken a closer look at the action, the odds on offer, and made our pick for who we think may provide the best value in what’s sure to be a cracking contest.

Made in Thailand’s strong form

Heading into the Esports World Cup, Made in Thailand has cemented its status as one of the world’s best teams with victories in Circuit 2 Series 1 of the PUBG Global Series and the Circuit 2 Series Final.

Over the past two months, the team has placed no lower than second, with excellent coordination and adaptability proving invaluable in the often unpredictable battle royale matches.

Virtus.Pro’s time to shine

Another team with a proven track record of demonstrating excellent teamwork in the heat of battle is Virtus.pro. Despite a slow start to the year, the European side successfully navigated its way to second in the PGC standings with a win at the Circuit 1 Series Final and fifth at the Circuit 2 Series Final.

In amongst the Circuit action, VP also earned a second place at this year’s EMEA Championship, reiterating its place as one of Europe’s big names.

The momentum continues to build for a VP side that has shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the year. Based on success in Circuit 1, there’s a strong chance of The Bears competing for outright victory in what is set to be a hotly contested tournament.

Team Vitality: Hometown heroes

The last-minute decision to move this year’s EWC from Riyadh to Paris has provided French esports fans with an excellent opportunity to support France’s biggest organisations. With Karmine Corp and Gentle Mates choosing not to field a roster in PUBG: Battlegrounds, Team Vitality is France’s sole representative in the battle royale title.

2026’s campaign has been far from smooth sailing for Team Vitality. Fourth place at Spring’s EMEA Championship is the team’s highest placement, but a top-eight at the Circuit 2 Series Final alongside competing in front of a hugely passionate hometown crowd could inject what’s required to compete at the very top.

Who will win PUBG: Battlegrounds at Esports World Cup 2026?

The unpredictable nature of battle royale esports makes it difficult to predict an outright winner, meaning there’s no huge favourite when looking at teams in contention for outright victory.

Thankfully, the betting sites already have odds highlighting the likely candidates to be crowned champion. So far, odds range from as low as 11/2 for the favourite, through to 100/1 for the rank outsider, providing those seeking value some great options in the field. .

Made in Thailand is the current favourite (priced around 11/2) based on its recent run of form, while the likes of 17 Gaming (at around 6/1) and current EWC Club Championship leaders NAVI (also 6/1) are close behind.

After looking at all the options for the outright winner, we would side with the champions of Twisted Minds as our pick for the tournament. They hover around the 8/1 mark in pre-tournament pricing.

The Title Defenders head into the tournament with two third-place finishes in the past couple of months, along with the experience of already securing victory on the EWC stage.

While Twisted Minds may not head into the tournament with the best form, the team’s proven track record at EWC combined with several high-profile tournament wins makes the majority-Russian roster a viable option for fans looking for solid returns.

Jon Nicholson, Freelance Writer

Jonno is a veteran esports journalist with over a decade of experience in covering the world of competitive gaming. Since starting in 2014, he’s covered the biggest events for outlets including Esports Insider, GGRecon, Gfinity, and Siege.GG. When he’s not writing, he can be found sim racing with varying degrees of success.

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