PUBG Esports World Cup 2026: Top contenders in Paris

PUBG: Battlegrounds at the Esports World Cup in Paris features a $2.025 million prize pool and will conclude with a Grand Finals after a season of Circuit events and continental championships.

Made in Thailand enters the finals after winning Circuit 2 Series 1 and the Circuit 2 Series Final and has finished no lower than second in recent events. Betting markets list Made in Thailand as the pre-tournament favourite at about 11/2.

17 Gaming and NAVI are both priced at roughly 6/1. NAVI leads the EWC Club Championship standings.

Virtus.pro won the Circuit 1 Series Final, finished fifth at the Circuit 2 Series Final and placed second at the EMEA Championship. Those results moved the European side up the PGC standings.

Team Vitality is France’s only representative after Karmine Corp and Gentle Mates chose not to field teams. The event’s relocation from Riyadh to Paris allows Vitality to play at home. Vitality’s best results this season include fourth at the EMEA Championship and a top-eight finish at the Circuit 2 Series Final.

Twisted Minds are the defending Esports World Cup champions and are priced around 8/1. The roster has recorded two third-place finishes in recent months. Freelance reporter Jon Nicholson names Twisted Minds as his pick for the tournament, citing their prior EWC title and past high-profile wins.

Pre-tournament odds range from about 11/2 for the favourite to roughly 100/1 for outsiders. Teams earned places in Paris through regional and circuit performance, setting up a Grand Finals weekend featuring established teams and less-favoured entries.