PGL has added a $30,000 fine to its 2027 rulebook for teams that withdraw from one of its events after their participation has been confirmed. The problem has grown as a side effect of the VRS system, with teams signing up for and pulling out of tournaments depending on their ranking needs, particularly during the rush to qualify for the Major.
PGL CEO Silviu Stroie said the change is meant "to create a more professional scene."
Under the clause, any roster that withdraws from a PGL event loses eligibility for a direct VRS invite to the next PGL event for which invitations are sent. The organisation of a team that withdraws from the Main Event must also fully reimburse PGL for arrangements already made, such as flights and accommodation, cover the costs of the replacement team, and pay a fixed fine of $30,000.
The reimbursement and fine do not apply if the withdrawal is caused by a documented medical emergency, or by a visa refusal for reasons outside the team's control, backed by official documentation.
The rule on losing the direct invite was already present in earlier rulebooks, and the replacement fine was in place at PGL Astana 2026 before being removed again. The financial fines may only take effect from PGL's fifth event of 2027, scheduled for September 4-12. Teams that withdraw before then could still be excluded from future events under the rules for the first four events.