Last year saw PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds take significant strides into the esports field but without proper commitment. This year is different as PUBG Corp has announced the PUBG Global Invitational 2018, billed as the “the first major PUBG esports tournament” that’s officially hosted by the developer. With a prize pool of $2 million and 20 teams of four players competing, there’s quite a lot on the line.
PUBG Corp CEO Changhan Kim said that, “The PUBG Global Invitational 2018 is a landmark moment for PUBG Corp. as a showcase of the potential of PUBG esports. The team at PUBG Corp. is working tirelessly to ensure that the PGI 2018 exemplifies the pinnacle of PUBG competition and brings to life all of the excitement, tension and exhilaration of the highest level of PUBG play, not only to the fans attending the PGI 2018, but also those watching at home.”
First there will be regional qualifiers in North America, Europe and Asia in July. The winners of these qualifiers will also take place in July and crown winners for third person and first person modes separately. More information about tickets, venues and the exact dates for the regional qualifiers has yet to be revealed.
The last major tournament for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds was the 2017 PUBG Invitational that took place at Gamescom. It was presented by Bluehole (PUBG Corp’s parent company) and ESL with a prize pool of $350,000. Creator Brendan Greene noted that changes would have to be made to improve the viewing experience before PUBG could properly take the esports dive. Is that time really now though? We’ll find out in the coming months.