PUBG Mobile EWC 2026 Finals Suspended Due to Mass Player Food Poisoning

Organizers of the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026 at the Esports World Cup cut the first day of the grand finals short. According to Sheep Esports, about 20 esports players complained of a sudden illness and food poisoning symptoms right during the matches.

The first issues arose during the second game, when players from several teams experienced acute nausea. Chinese club Tianba officially confirmed that player Wang “MiLu” Bo required an urgent substitution and was taken to the hospital for a medical examination. Turkish team IDA Esports also reported food poisoning cases among its players, and ambulances were stationed outside the arena.

Update: Have seen some videos of people being hospitalised and or waiting for treatment being posted to Chinese social media. pic.twitter.com/X4t7M3JCfB

— Richard Lewis (@RLewisReports) August 14, 2026

Organizers’ Reaction and Postponed Matches

With players unable to compete under equal conditions, organizers suspended play after four of the six scheduled matches. The remaining rounds have been postponed to August 15.

In an official statement by PUBG Mobile Esports, the tournament administration announced that an investigation has been launched to determine the source of the mass illness. EWC representatives emphasized that no similar symptoms were reported among participants or staff of other esports disciplines at the festival.