TW: This article discusses and quotes words that may trigger vomiting reflexes. If you are sensitive to this, you are advised not to read this article.
Shared by several journalists on X and Instagram, including Richard Lewis, it appears that the
Esports World Cup is facing a wave of players falling ill during the
PUBG Mobile tournament, reportedly due in part to food poisoning. According to information shared on social media, nearly 20 players may have fallen ill today, with some reportedly vomiting between games during the
PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026, which has been taking place in Paris since August 6 and is scheduled to conclude this Sunday, August 16.
“The situation is quite serious”
Some of these cases were initially revealed by journalists, then were quickly confirmed, notably by Chinese organization Tianba on Weibo. In its post, the club explained that “due to a player [Wang "MiLu" Bo] experiencing sudden illness and vomiting, an assessment was conducted by our medical staff and coaching team in full consultation with the player.” As a result, the club decided to bring in a substitute in his place, adding that “Club staff have accompanied player [MiLu] to the hospital for medical evaluation and will closely monitor his recovery.”
In an image shared on social media and taken from a broadcast of the event on a Chinese platform, one of Tianba’s players, recognizable by the team’s gold and black jersey, appears to be vomiting on stage.
The situation reportedly worsened during the following games. Barışcan Mercan, founder of Turkish club
S2G Esports, shared several updates on the situation, notably stating that “
the situation is quite serious.” He explained that one of his players, Berkay "
Lost" Yılmaz, “
started feeling sick right in the middle of the second match. He stopped playing and ran off to throw up. After the match ended, another four or five players went to see the medics”. According to the Turkish influencer, there were “
about 20 players missing from the arena right now.”He continued to describe the situation affecting his team, explaining that “Even before the match started, our players said they were feeling unwell and asked for a rematch. The referee replied that there was nothing he could do, and simply brought them a bag.” Lost’s discomfort reportedly only worsened, with the player eventually telling the referee, “I think I’m going to be sick.” According to Barışcan Mercan, his PUBGM player “was told: ‘Carry on, carry on.’ He threw up, but the referee still kept telling him to carry on playing.”
“We are working with EWC to investigate”
In two posts on X,
Richard Lewis initially stated that “
At least four players were affected with ambulances on site and possible hospitalizations.” Several minutes after his first update on the situation, the British journalist said that “
the number of cases could be as high as twenty, and the current plan is to deploy a makeshift medical tent to get treatment to those as fast as possible.” A post shared on Weibo by the
Baiyun Esports account also shows ambulances at the entrance of the venue.
Of the six rounds scheduled for the first day of the grand final, four were played before the competition was suspended indefinitely. In a statement posted on X, the official PUBG Mobile competition account said it was aware of the situation and that “members of multiple teams reported feeling unwell today.”
The account then confirmed that the event organizers are taking action: “
We are working with EWC to investigate and identify the source of the issue, and taking immediate and necessary actions to support the affected players.” The statement concluded by saying that the updated competition schedule will be “
announced when confirmed.”
In a separate statement, the EWC also addressed the situation, stating that “the players are receiving appropriate care and support, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to understand the circumstances.” The organization also sought to reassure fans, adding that “the issue appears limited to participants in the PMWC, with no similar symptoms reported among players or staff competing in other Esports World Cup tournaments.”
The Esports Foundation concluded its statement by confirming that “today's affected matches have been rescheduled for tomorrow.” Tickets for spectators attending on August 14 will also remain valid for August 15, while the organization will “continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as confirmed information becomes available.”
