The PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026 (PMWC 2026) Grand Finals have been hit by a major health scare after players from multiple teams fell ill during Day 1. According to reports from players, creators, and teams at the venue, several competitors required medical attention, while reports from the event suggested that around 20 of the 64 players may have been affected. The situation became serious enough that only four of the scheduled six matches were completed.
PUBG Mobile Esports has now officially acknowledged the situation. In a statement, the organizers confirmed that members of multiple teams reported feeling unwell and said they are working with the Esports World Cup to investigate and identify the source of the issue.
PMWC 2026 Organizers Release Official Statement
Following the incidents, PUBG Mobile Esports issued an official announcement saying that player health and wellbeing remain its priority.
The organizers added that they are working with EWC to identify the source and are taking necessary steps to support the affected players. They also said an updated tournament schedule would be announced once confirmed.
Importantly, the official statement does not identify the illness as food poisoning or confirm its source. Therefore, while food poisoning is being widely suspected and discussed around the event, the exact cause remains under investigation.
Multiple Players Reportedly Require Medical Assistance
Reports from the venue have named players from several different teams as being unwell.
GodLike Esports captain Manya, IDA Esports' Emre7 and Tianba's Milu are among the players reported to have suffered health problems. Reports from the Indian camp have also suggested that Orangutan's Aaru and AKOP were not feeling well.
The situation surrounding Tianba's Milu appeared particularly concerning, with footage circulating online appearing to show the player being taken to hospital in an ambulance.
Meanwhile, accounts from people associated with S2G Esports claimed that Lost was vomiting while competing and that numerous players had visited the medical area. One account estimated that around 20 players were affected.
These individual cases and the approximate number of affected players have not all been officially confirmed by tournament organizers.
Was It Food Poisoning?
Several players and creators have raised the possibility of food poisoning, with suspicion reportedly surrounding food consumed before the matches.
However, PUBG Mobile Esports has not confirmed food poisoning as the cause. The organizers are still investigating the source, meaning it would be incorrect to blame any specific food or meal at this stage.
Day 1 Matches Stopped Early
Day 1 was originally scheduled to feature six matches, but play ended after Match 4, with the remaining two games not taking place.
The focus now shifts away from the points table and towards the recovery of the affected players. With competitors from several teams reportedly unwell, their condition could also have a major impact on the remaining PMWC 2026 Grand Finals.
For now, PUBG Mobile Esports has made its priority clear: player health comes first, while an investigation into what caused the widespread illness continues.
