The 'PUBG Nations Cup (PNC) 2026' Grand Finals are taking place over three days, from the 26th to the 28th, at Jangchung Arena in Seoul. Sixteen countries, including South Korea, are competing, with the champion determined by the combined survival and kill points earned across 15 matches. South Korea is aiming for its third consecutive victory, following wins in 2023 and 2024.

Jang Tae-seok, Head of PUBG IP Franchise, visited the venue on the first day and began by thanking the fans who filled the arena and the event's sponsor, the Seoul Metropolitan Government. He added, "We have been operating for nearly 10 years, and we continue to receive immense love. Our concurrent player count has surpassed 1 million again. We are incredibly grateful to our fans for making this possible. We will continue to work hard to develop the PUBG franchise and grow it into a one-of-a-kind IP."

K-games are now demonstrating global competitiveness, much like K-pop and K-dramas. Jang emphasized, "I believe the unique strength of PUBG lies in the fact that it is not just a game, but something more. We are experimenting in various fields, including fashion, music, and media franchises, and our dream is to become a unique global cultural icon."

Regarding the possibility of Seoul hosting the 'Olympic Esports Games,' which has entered a new phase following the termination of a partnership with Saudi Arabia, Jang remained cautious, stating, "The IOC is still deliberating, so the exact situation is unclear." However, he added, "We have long collaborated with relevant organizations like the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to operate programs like 'Road to the Olympics.' Furthermore, Korea and Seoul have extensive experience in hosting and managing large-scale international events, both in esports and traditional sports. Therefore, we believe our chances are significantly higher than many other countries."

Jang also expressed pride and confidence, saying, "As I mentioned, we have the capability, having hosted esports through international tournament formats like PGC and PNC for a long time. We will continue to collaborate diligently to ensure we are selected as an official event and strive to bring glory to our nation on that stage."

Jangchung Arena, host of the PNC 2026 Grand Finals, was decorated to blend the PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds IP with the cultural elements of Seoul, the host city and sponsor. Jang stated, "We designed the first floor to feel like an 'outdoor market' (yajang), allowing fans to arrive two hours before the matches to enjoy various events and cultural experiences. We will continue to create fun events that fans can personally feel, enjoy, and experience."