PUBG Mobile is considered one of the leading mobile esports titles globally, with a focus on regional and grassroots-level National Championships. However, the recently concluded PUBG Mobile National Championship (PMNC) MEA Wildcard has been marred by controversy, as half of the participating players were banned for hacking.
Image Credits: PUBG Mobile Esports
Despite being an online tournament, the PMNC MEA Wildcard 2024 was significant. Teams qualified through a series of online qualifiers, leading to a group stage and the finals. The top four teams would secure a spot in the official PUBG Mobile partnered league, PMSL, held as a LAN event.
Unfortunately, hackers managed to infiltrate the tournament, bypassing the game’s in-game hacking detection system. Several teams were found to have violated rules and used illegal software to cheat, leading to bans and suspensions.
Four teams banned during the competition, with 4 more suspended post-tournament
The PMNC MEA Wildcard commenced with 16 teams on April 12. While the first two days proceeded without incidents, bans were imposed on two teams on the third day, with two more bans following in subsequent matches. Additionally, four more teams were banned after the tournament concluded, including the top two teams of the final match, FES Masters and Crash Gaming.
Tencent released a statement on the PUBG Mobile esports MEA Instagram, confirming the bans after a detailed review process. The integrity of the competition is a top priority, as stated in the translated Arabic statement from Tencent.
The list of banned teams includes:
- FES Masters
- Team BIG
- Crash Gaming
- GEN NINE Team
- 83 Esports
- Storm Esports
- Team BIG
- UDR Killers
Brute Force crowned champions, highlighting the issue of PUBG Mobile hacking
Image Credits: PUBG Mobile Esports
Following the bans, Brute Force emerged as the champions. While specific sanctions for the banned teams were not disclosed, it is likely that the players received lifetime bans in PUBG Mobile for hacking.
However, concerns remain as the possibility of undetected hacking in earlier stages of the competition could have impacted deserving players and teams. The prevalence of hackers continues to be a major issue in PUBG Mobile esports, affecting the community and aspiring professional players.
