The PUBG Mobile Global Open (PMGO) 2026 Season 1, South Asia Finals concluded at the Expo Center Lahore from May 14–17, 2026, featuring 16 elite squads from across South Asia. The offline event highlighted Pakistan’s growing esports hosting capabilities, with teams competing for a $40,000 prize pool and qualification spots for the PMGO Main Event.
Key Highlights
Champion: 4thrives Esports (Pakistan); secured $9,000 and direct entry to the Main Event.
Total Points: 242
Consistently aggressive, securing multiple WWCDs and topping both eliminations and overall standings.
Runner-up: Horaa Esports (South Asia); earned $5,500 and qualification.
Total Points: 216
Balanced playstyle with strong rotations and steady finishes, keeping them in contention throughout.
Third Place: Trained to Kill (Nepal); clinched $4,500 and a Main Event slot.
Total Points: 188
Known for clutch plays and resilience, they edged into the top three with disciplined late-game strategies.
MVP: FALAK (Pakistan); awarded $500.
Special Awards: HUZAIFA (Most Eliminations in a Match), 4thrives Esports (Most WWCD & Most Eliminations in a Day).
These three top teams; 4thrives Esports, Horaa Esports, and Trained to Kill will now advance to the PMGO 2026 Main Event, representing South Asia on the global stage.
Pakistan Representation
Seven teams qualified through PMNC PK Spring 2026, One was invited, making Pakistan the largest contingent at the finals:
4thrives Esports
Koxav Esports
LF Esports
AS i8 Esports
XOTICS
Seventh Element
Red Saints
313 Esports
Bangladesh Representation
Bangladesh fielded four teams via PMNC BD Spring 2026:
A1 RG Esports
ZC Gremlin Storm
CMF Esports
Galactic Spirit
South Asia Representation
Three teams earned their place through PMNC SA Spring 2026:
Horaa Esports
Trained to Kill
DRS Gaming
Abrupt Slayers
Regional Breakdown
Pakistan: 40 players (51%)
Nepal: 20 players (25%)
Bangladesh: 19 players (24%)
Broadcast & Talent
Coverage spanned multiple languages:
English Hosts: Olofmiester (Syed Ali), RZ (Rana Zubair Jawad)
Urdu Analysts & Commentators: FRAGGER OPP, Gaming Portal, VOLTRUX, Aadi, Aladdin, Star Haris
Nepali Commentators: AnshYT, Mandip Casts
The Bigger Picture
The PMGO South Asia Finals crowned regional champions and underscored Pakistan’s role in hosting tier-A esports tournaments. With diverse representation from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and South Asia, the event delivered memorable performances and broadcast innovation; setting the stage for the region’s top squads to shine at the PMGO Main Event.
Pakistan’s premier PUBG Mobile team, 4Thrives, has confirmed a major roster change following its landmark performance at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025. The team earned $77,000 in the group stage and $80,000 in the finals, finishing among the top eight teams worldwide with total winnings of $157,000.
International esports commentator Maximillian Barraud praised 4Thrives as “the best Pakistani team of all times,” highlighting their rise on the global stage.
Looking ahead to 2026, 4Thrives has announced that Cairo (Niash Hassan), the team’s entry fragger, has departed to join Guts & Glory. In his place, the team has recruited Mohammad Huzaifa, formerly of AS i8 Esports, who is now serving as the new in-game leader (IGL).
This strategic move signals 4Thrives’ ambition to build on its international success and continue elevating Pakistan’s presence in global esports.
In August 2025, under the blazing lights of Riyadh’s esports arena, EWC with the biggest and highest prize pool was Helding up and five young men from Pakistan competed side by side, carrying the hopes of a growing gaming community. 4Thrives Esports, a self-managed PUBG Mobile team with no sponsors and no bootcamp, had made it to the Grand Finals of the PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC). And they didn’t just show up—they finished 7th out of 24 global teams, earning $157,000 USD and rewriting the story of Pakistani esports.
This wasn’t just a tournament. It was a test of grit, loyalty, and leadership. And at the heart of it all stood Falak Sher, the team’s captain and owner, whose quiet resolve became the backbone of their success.
From Raw Beginnings to Riyadh’s Grand Stage
4Thrives Esports was formed on December 1, 2024, not in a corporate office or gaming house—but through WhatsApp calls, shared dreams, and relentless practice. Their manager, Usman “Shaheen” Tariq, handpicked players based on synergy, not fame. The final lineup:
Falak Sher “FALAK” – Captain & Owner
Sameer “Nocki” Khan – Support
Hasnain “T24OP” Rehman – Scout
Niash “CAIRO” Hassan – Sniper
Shayan “IQ” Asad – IGL
Usman “Shaheen” Tariq – Manager & Analyst
Their first major breakthrough came at PMSL Central & South Asia Spring 2025, where they placed 3rd, earning $18,750 USD and a direct slot in PMWC. But it was their group stage performance at PMWC that stunned the world:
2nd overall ranking
111 kills
65 eliminations
2 Chicken Dinners
They became the first Pakistani team ever to reach the Grand Finals of an S-tier PUBG Mobile event.
Grand Finals: Pressure, Precision, and Pride
The Grand Finals, held from August 1–3, introduced the Smash Rule—a format where the leading team could win instantly with a Chicken Dinner. 4Thrives didn’t clinch the title, but they held their own against giants from China, Korea, Myanmar, and Europe.
Final Placement: 7th
Final Points: 109
Prize Money from Finals: $80,000 USD
Total Earnings: $157,000 USD
Falak Sher, owner and star player of 4Thrives Esports, helped lead the team to a historic 7th place finish at PMWC 2025, ranking 6th in frags and 3rd in overall damage.
No dramatic speeches. No viral interviews. Just results, respect, and a nation watching.
Team Manager
Their manager, Shaheen, played a crucial role—handling analytics, strategy, and emotional support. Behind every rotation and zone prediction was hours of unpaid labor and belief.
National Impact: A New Chapter for Pakistani Esports
4Thrives’ success has sparked a wave of pride across Pakistan’s gaming community. From Lahore to Quetta, young players now cite Falak and his squad as role models. Their story is being shared in Urdu captions, TikTok edits, and Instagram reels—with hashtags like:
#FalakSher
#4ThrivesEsports
#PakistanGaming
#PMWC2025
They’ve helped shift the narrative around gaming—from taboo to talent. Media outlets, influencers, and even educators are beginning to recognize esports as a legitimate career path.
What Comes Next?
With PMWC behind them, 4Thrives is expected to compete in PMSL Fall 2025 and possibly qualify for the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC). Their accumulated points and global visibility make them strong contenders.
Despite operating without a bootcamp or org, their self-managed model has proven that discipline and loyalty can rival even the biggest names.
Conclusion: Pakistan Didn’t Just Participate, it proved its presence
4Thrives Esports didn’t arrive with fanfare. They arrived with focus. In less than nine months, they went from unknowns to global contenders—earning respect, revenue, and a place in history.
Their journey wasn’t exaggerated. It was earned. And as the closing ceremony lights dimmed in Riyadh, one truth remained:
Pakistan didn’t just participate. It thrived.
Resilience isn’t always loud. 4Thrives shows that true growth is deliberate, shaped with intent. From setbacks to new beginnings, this platform honors every step forward. Congratulations, Team 4Thrives.
Esports world is fascinating and encompassing every nook and corner of the world then how could Pakistan remain untouched??
youngsters, teenagers and kids are playing multiple online games on different platforms eagerly. PUBG, Dota 2, Tekken, Free fire, Fortnite, LoL and Valorant are at the main slot.
People in Pakistan not only playing games but also making history by participating and winning tournaments all around the world. In this article you will get to know
The top players of Pakistan in esports world
Pakistan’s contribution in sponsoring esports events
How many online games Pakistan has developed for esports industry?
Although Pakistani players do not have top-tier facilities like access to the fast and solid internet, high-quality gadgets and reliance on guidance and coaching available, their only power is their passion for the online games making them stand out from the rest.
Esports Pakistan: Top Players
Driven by love for the game, Pakistani players made astounding, jaw-dropping records in esports events. Making sure that esports scene will be incomplete without Pakistan’s presence.
Sumail Hassan Youngest Dota 2 Millionaire
In the bustling city of Karachi, a young boy named Sumail Hassan sat in a small internet café, his eyes locked onto the glowing screen. Oblivious of his surroundings, at just seven years old, he was already mastering the complex world of Dota 2, a game that would soon change his life forever. Once, in order to purchase extra play time, he sold his bicycle.
In 2014, Sumail’s family moved to the United States, and that’s when his journey truly began. With limited resources but unlimited passion, he kept grinding—playing in online tournaments, climbing leaderboards, and catching the attention of pro teams.
Then came the breakthrough.
At only 15 years old, Sumail was signed by Evil Geniuses, one of the biggest esports teams in the world. Just months later, he helped them win The International 2015, the most prestigious Dota 2 tournament on the planet. He became the youngest player ever to win The International, earning over $1 million in prize money and global respect.
But Sumail didn’t stop there.
He continued to dominate the Dota 2 scene, known for his aggressive mid-lane plays and fearless decision-making. Fans called him the “King of Mid”, and analysts praised his ability to carry games under pressure. His name became a symbol of hope for Pakistani gamers—proof that talent, when nurtured, can break every barrier.
Despite challenges, team changes, and intense competition, Sumail stayed true to his roots. Now he is playing for Nigma Galaxy and his NetWorth is 41,37,044 US Dollars from 104 Tournaments.
Arsalan Ash Tekken GOAT
Arslan Siddique, better known as Arslan Ash, esports professional is a 29-year-old Tekken legend and one of the greatest players in the game’s history. A six-time EVO champion, he’s proudly sponsored by Red Bull and Twisted Minds. His journey begins when he started playing arcades games in Lahore at the age of 8. who knew that today a small kid from Lahore will become tomorrow’s star with incessant victories ahead.
Arslan wanted to become a doctor initially but turning point in his life and career came when later he realized that he is Really good at something that is not very common here. it’s true that we are known and recognized by the choices we made, in Arslan case, it’s proved. He came in limelight when he won the biggest national tournament, Pakistan Tekken 6 Grand Masters Championship.
And just like that, he’s been on a nonstop climb to the top ever since.
He has conquered Tekken like no other — winning titles in 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025, plus EVO Japan in 2019 and 2023. Now, with his latest triumphs, he stands as an eight‑time EVO champion, proving that in the world of Tekken, he is truly unbeatable.
Atif Butt Tekken Strategist
In the world of competitive Tekken, few names command respect like Atif Butt. Born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, Atif has quietly risen to global prominence—not with flashy words, but with quiet brilliance and unbeatable determination.
Atif’s breakout moment came in 2022 when he stunned the world by winning the Tekken World Tour Finals, defeating top-tier players from Korea, Japan, and the U.S. With his signature Akuma plays and razor-sharp reads, he proved that Pakistan isn’t just growing in Tekken—it’s now leading the way.
Currently, Atif Butt represents Team Falcons, a premier esports organization based in Saudi Arabia. Founded by FIFA world champion Mosaad “Msdossary” Al-Dossary, Team Falcons has become a powerhouse in the MENA region, known for assembling top-tier talent across games like FIFA, PUBG, and Tekken.
Atif joined Team Falcons in 2024 and quickly made his mark. Even before that, he stunned the global Tekken community by winning Gamers8 2023, one of the most prestigious fighting game tournaments in the world. His dominant 3–1 victory in the grand finals earned him $166,666, the largest single prize of his career.
Under Team Falcons, Atif went on to win CEO 2025, placed second at EVO 2025, and reached the grand finals of the Esports World Cup 2024, solidifying his reputation as one of the most consistent and dangerous Tekken players on the planet.
With Team Falcons’ backing, Atif isn’t just competing—he’s helping redefine Pakistan’s role in global esports, proving that elite talent from South Asia can thrive on the world’s biggest stages.
4Thrives: Pakistan’s PUBG Mobile Team, Champions of PMGO S1 2026
These four players shaped their roster at the end of 2024 and, in just a short span, stormed into the Esports World Cup 2025 where they secured 7th place and earned a prize pool of $157,000. Building on that momentum, they have now captured the PMGO Season 1 Championship — proving they are truly unstoppable.
Pakistan’s contribution in sponsoring esports events
Pakistan proudly hosted the PUBG Mobile Global Open 2026 Season 1 in Lahore, welcoming teams from Bangladesh and Nepal. In front of a passionate home crowd, Pakistani squad 4Thrives rose to the occasion and clinched the championship title — a victory that marks a new milestone for the country’s esports journey.
Internally, Gamer Pakistan is leading the charge in organizing and monetizing esports events nationwide. Since 2022, it has hosted over 30 competitions, including:
University Esports National Championship
National Free Fire League
Valorant, PUBG, FIFA, Tekken, and LAN tournaments across major cities
Its affiliate, Elite Sports Pakistan (ESP), has signed 119 agreements with universities and sports bodies, securing exclusive rights to produce and monetize inter-collegiate esports events. Together, they’re building a strong foundation for Pakistan’s esports ecosystem.
Esports Pakistan Scene: First National Esports Policy
In a major milestone for the gaming community, Pakistan has introduced its first-ever National Esports Policy—a strategic move to recognize esports as a formal economic sector. Despite having one of the most passionate and talented youth populations in online gaming, Pakistani players have long faced challenges such as visa barriers, lack of funding, and limited training opportunities. The new policy aims to change that by offering financial support, professional training, and international exposure.
How many online games Pakistan has developed for esports industry?
While Pakistan’s current esports focus lies in organizing tournaments and building competitive teams, its contribution to game development has been modest. Although official statistics are limited, two locally developed games have gained notable attention:
Pakistan Army Retribution
Developed by the Punjab IT Board as a tribute to the victims of the 2014 APS Peshawar attack, this game aimed to honor the military’s role in counterterrorism. However, due to public criticism and poor reception, it was eventually removed from download platforms and discontinued.
Cricket Revolution
Developed by Mindstorm Studios and released in 2009. It was Pakistan’s first PC-based sports game available on Steam, featuring single-player, multiplayer, LAN, and offline modes. However, its reach was restricted—primarilybecause it was designed for PC, a platform less accessible to the average Pakistani gamer, who often relies on mobile devices.
By this, one gets to know that Pakistan’s esports journey is just beginning—and the world is finally watching.
