PGL publicly criticized the scheduling conflict with the Riyadh-based EWC on X (formerly Twitter), expressing displeasure over the clash.

The cancellation was driven by concerns over low participation from top-tier teams, as the EWC's expanded format and prize pool are likely to attract the best teams, reducing PGL's event appeal.

PGL has canceled its August 2026 esports event, including a planned CS2 tournament, due to scheduling conflicts with the expanded Esports World Cup (EWC).

Despite the cancellations, PGL has announced plans for other tournaments in cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest, Astana, and Belgrade in 2026.

The EWC expansion for 2026 features increasing the number of teams to 32, a $2 million prize pool, and an open LAN qualifier, making it a highly attractive event.

This expansion and the EWC's appealing format have significantly diminished the attractiveness of PGL's canceled event, especially among the top 30 teams in the global VRS ranking.

The rivalry between PGL and ESL has been intensified by recent disputes over overlapping events in Bucharest and Chengdu, as well as competition for a January event in Kraków.