What happens if an esports team is late?
A · Advanced · During play · 1 of 7Players get a set setup time to check equipment, connect their own keyboard and mouse, test voice chat and warm up, and may not leave the match area without permission. In VALORANT a team that is late loses 2 penalty points for every five minutes, and one not ready 10 minutes after the start loses by no-show.
How it works
- Setup: check equipment, connect peripherals, test voice, warm up.
- Leaving: not allowed once in the match area without permission.
- VALORANT ready check: at least 2 minutes before the start.
- VALORANT lateness: 2 penalty points per five minutes.
- VALORANT no-show: 10 minutes late; loss by the worst score and 10 penalty points.
- PUBG check-in: seated and ready 5 minutes before the start.
- PUBG lateness: 100 then 500 US dollars a player, then penalty points.
- PUBG late players: after 5 minutes the match may start without them.
The glossary has the setup time, the peripherals, the lobby, the penalty points, the forfeit (esports) and the fines (esports).
Tricky cases
A provided monitor fails in setup. What should the player do?
Tell the officials at once; technicians help fix it.
Can a PUBG team play with three players?
Yes. A team may play with at least three.
Can a player warm up in another game after the ready check?
No. They must join the match lobby.
Are breaks between PUBG matches fixed?
Yes, 10 minutes. The next match will not wait for late players.
Why the rule exists
Esports events run to tight broadcast schedules. Clear penalties for lateness keep every match starting on time.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| VALORANT | Penalty points for lateness | V 6.1 |
| PUBG | Fines, then penalty points | P 6.2 |
| PUBG | 10-minute breaks | P 5.4.3.3 |
From the rule book
the EWC 2026 VALORANT and PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS rule books: VALORANT, sections 5.3 and 6.1; PUBG, sections 5.4.1, 5.4.3.3 and 6.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the Esports World Cup 2026 rule books.