PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Preview: Teams, Schedule, Format, and Prize Pool

Very soon, the first PGL tournament of the new competitive year — PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 — will kick off. As tradition goes, Cluj-Napoca will host 16 teams from around the world competing for a total prize pool of $1,250,000. The event will take place from February 14 to February 22 and will serve as one of the key early-season tests for top-tier teams.

Just ahead of the tournament, IEM Krakow 2026 concluded with Vitality lifting the trophy, which only adds intrigue to the upcoming battles in Romania. Some teams will aim to build on their recent success, while others will look to bounce back after disappointing performances. Below is a closer look at the participants and their chances at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026.

Format, Dates, and Teams at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 will run from February 14 to February 22 and feature 16 teams. The tournament will begin with a Swiss System group stage, where all matches will be played in a Bo3 format. From rounds two to five, seeding will be determined using the Buchholz system with initial seeding taken into account.

The top eight teams from the group stage will advance to the playoffs. The final stage will follow a Single-Elimination bracket: all matches except the Grand Final will be played as Bo3, while the championship match will be a Bo5 series. The total prize pool of $1,250,000 will be split evenly, with $625,000 awarded to players and $625,000 going to the organizations.

NAVI vs Astralis (February 14, 10:00 CET)

The opening matches begin on February 14 at 10:00 CET. Astralis will face NAVI in a clash between two teams currently in average form. Both recently competed at IEM Krakow 2026, where NAVI, despite entering as one of the favorites of the main stage, finished in 9th–12th place. Astralis, meanwhile, reached the playoffs and secured a 7th–8th place finish — a solid result considering their recent performances.

Although bookmakers favor NAVI in this matchup, the last meeting between the two teams took place at IEM Chengdu 2025, where Astralis claimed a 2–1 victory. A three-map series seems highly likely.

Aurora vs FUT (February 14, 10:00 CET)

Both Aurora and FUT Esports recently competed at IEM Krakow 2026. Aurora reached the playoffs and finished 5th–6th, while FUT were eliminated in the second stage, placing 9th–12th. FUT have shown they can challenge top-tier opponents, and although Aurora enter the match as favorites, this will not be an easy game.

MOUZ vs PARIVISION (February 14, 13:00 CET)

PARIVISION surprised many by winning BLAST Bounty S1 and started strong in Krakow, but were eventually eliminated in the second stage. MOUZ once again secured a 4th-place finish at a tier-one event (IEM Krakow 2026) and are still searching for their best form. While MOUZ may have the edge on paper, facing PARIVISION will be a serious test.

FaZe Clan vs HEROIC (February 14, 13:00 CET)

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 finalists FaZe disappointed in Krakow, exiting in the main stage with a 9th–12th place finish. HEROIC also struggled and were eliminated in 13th–16th place. For FaZe, this is a chance at redemption and an opportunity to prove that their second-place finish in Budapest was no fluke. For HEROIC, it’s yet another major test for their rebuilt roster.

Vitality vs G2 (February 14, 16:00 CET)

After winning IEM Krakow 2026, Vitality enter the tournament as clear favorites. The incredible form of ZywOo and ropz, combined with apEX’s leadership decisions, makes them look nearly unstoppable. Although G2 reached the playoffs in Krakow, they appear to have very slim chances against Vitality in this matchup.

3DMAX vs Falcons (February 14, 16:00 CET)

Falcons have not secured major titles in quite some time. The team often falls short in the playoff stages, and despite internal challenges — including playing without a coach and using stand-ins — they remain capable of delivering strong performances. 3DMAX already faced Falcons earlier this year in Krakow, where the French side suffered a 0–2 loss. This matchup is unlikely to produce a surprise, and Falcons are expected to start their campaign with a win.

FURIA vs B8 (February 14, 19:00 CET)

FURIA finished second at IEM Krakow 2026, confidently advancing through the main stage before falling short against Vitality in the final. Nevertheless, they remain a dangerous opponent that demands thorough preparation. B8 posted more modest results at the same event, finishing 13th–16th. The Ukrainian squad will need to be fully prepared, as the Brazilian side will be aiming for another deep run.

The MongolZ vs paiN (February 14, 19:00 CET)

This is an intriguing matchup between paiN and The MongolZ. Despite the Mongolian squad’s success in 2025, they have lost some of their momentum and have delivered average results in recent events. The same can be said about the Brazilian team paiN, who have struggled against lower-tier opposition. This match will be a true test of resilience for both sides.

Favorites, Dark Horses, and Underdogs at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026

Team Vitality enter the tournament as the undisputed favorites after winning IEM Krakow 2026. Their structure, depth, and the phenomenal form of their leaders make them the primary title contenders. Meanwhile, FURIA, who reached the final in Krakow, have proven they can consistently compete with top teams, and Team Falcons, despite inconsistency, possess enough experience and firepower to fight for the trophy.

Among the dark horses are Natus Vincere, who are searching for stability but remain dangerous in playoff formats, and G2 Esports, who are capable of exploding at the right moment. FUT Esports have already shown they can challenge favorites, FaZe Clan bring grand final experience and hunger for redemption, while The MongolZ and Astralis have the potential to create surprises thanks to their aggressive style and improving results.

The underdogs of the tournament appear to be paiN Gaming, B8, and 3DMAX. While each of these teams has potential, their recent results suggest a difficult road to the later stages. A playoff appearance would already be a strong achievement, while a title run would require a true breakthrough.

Where to Watch PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026

You can follow all the action starting February 14 on PGL’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, where live broadcasts will be available.

Additionally, on our website you can track matches live and follow your favorite teams. Stay tuned with EGamersWorld to keep up with all the latest developments!