What happens if a player disconnects in an esports match?
I · Intermediate · During play · 4 of 4If a server, power or internet failure interrupts a VALORANT match, the round is restored to its start. A single player's crash brings a restore only in the first minute, before any damage, if the referee is told at once. In PUBG a drop before everyone lands restarts the match, and a mass drop brings a rematch among those alive.
How it works
- Server or power failure: the round is restored.
- Two or more players crash: the round is restored.
- One player crashes: restored only in the first minute, before damage.
- Player's own fault: no restore.
- PUBG, before landing: the match restarts.
- PUBG, after landing: play continues while the player reconnects.
- PUBG mass drop: ten or more players; rematch among the survivors.
- Compensation points: for players eliminated while reconnecting after official faults.
The glossary has the disconnection, the rematch, the compensation points, the round rollback, the referee (esports) and the battle royale.
Tricky cases
A player alt-tabs out by accident. Replayed?
No. It is the player's own fault.
A team had already won the round when the game crashed. What then?
Officials may award them the round.
A PUBG player disconnects on purpose. Penalty?
Yes. Deliberate disconnection is banned.
May a PUBG player restart their PC?
Only with a referee's permission.
Why the rule exists
Restores fix faults outside the players' control without undoing fair play. Limits stop teams using a crash to escape a losing round.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| VALORANT | Round restored | V 5.10 |
| PUBG before landing | Match restarted | P 5.4.2.8 |
| PUBG mass drop | Survivors' rematch | P 5.4.2.8 |
From the rule book
the EWC 2026 VALORANT and PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS rule books: VALORANT, section 5.10; PUBG, sections 5.4.2.6 to 5.4.2.9. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the Esports World Cup 2026 rule books.