By: Clinton “Paperthin” Bader

For those of you that follow the PKL, one of the top tier leagues in PUBG esports right now, a lot of what I am about to talk about is pretty well known to you. If you don’t, A) start watching the PKL because you are missing out and B) buckle up.

I am going to put my analysis in the order of how I predict the PKL teams will do at PGC. So, the first team I cover I expect to be the best, and so on.

(Disclaimer: Most of what I am talking about here is tendencies of the teams. They are all very adaptable and will mix their tactics/strategies up depending on the situation they are given. Also the drop locations are where they preferred to drop in the PKL, NOT necessarily where they will drop at PGC.)

1.) OGN Entus Force (Erangel: Pochinki, Miramar: La Bendita-ish, Sanhok: South Pai Nan, Camp Charlie-ish)

A team that has been historically consistent in the PKL, but has mostly never been able to secure a win (with the running joke that they would be forever runners-up). However, they are a team that has been together (except for Doya) throughout the entirety of 2019, and found themselves in it to win it at FGS and ended up 4th place. Now, though their performance in Phase 2 of the PKL left something to be desired, they rose up and crushed Phase 3. With an incredible balance of teamwork and shot-calling, they found themselves as not only the best team in Phase 3 of the PKL, but also the top team for 2019. A team that used to be known for its explosive kill potential has spent most of this year becoming a more disciplined team. They have displayed an impressive gain in their ability to play the chameleon, just kind of blend in, and then find their moment to strike, often winning odd-man situations with well-timed pushes from great angles. They were kings of Miramar and Erangel in Phase 3 of the PKL this year, averaging an impressive 8.4 and 8.6 points/ round respectively. They won 17% of the games they played in and were top 4 42% of the time. This is absolutely dominant in a league that has such a depth of talent like the PKL.

Leading the way of Entus Force is Seongjang, calling the shots and often being point man for his team. He averaged the highest knocks/round on Force and his play calling was, at times, some of the best I have seen in the world. For fragging, it was Indigo who held the banner in Phase 3, averaging 1.38 kills/round, putting him in 6th place for players who played every game of the phase. Rounding out Force are Kayle and Doya. Kayle is a skilled marksman (averaging ~224 damage/round in Phase 3), and has had some big games for himself before. Doya is a highly capable support type player, leading Force in revives for Phase 3, and was a solid new edition for them this phase.

For rotations, Entus Force prefers to get center early-ish and go for a 2-2 split (sometimes they will go 1–1–1–1 if they can get into the middle of a circle quickly). From there they just look to find openings and get to late game, then let their exceptional teamwork carry them to victories. Watch for patient, disciplined pushes and good usage of visibility (in terms of knowing when other teams can see them). The map knowledge, especially on our original two maps, is high for these lads.

2.) Gen.G (Erangel: South George, Miramar: Pecado, Sanhok: Between Paradise and Boot Camp)

Another historically great team from the PKL, Gen.G once again finds themselves at the PUBG worlds (having two of their teams qualifying for PGI last year before condensing into just one team for 2019). After winning both Phase 2 of the PKL and the MET, it looked like Gen.G might establish themselves as the “Faze” of Korea. However, after a heartbreaking loss at PNC, and two members of Gen.G being on that all-star team (Pio and Loki), something started to change. Gen.G looked complacent. They started taking fights they shouldn’t. Their rotations were sometimes late and sloppy. Despite that, they were still able to come up with a sixth place finish overall in Phase 3, and the good news for them is, they have a lot of veteran talent with big stage experience still on the team.

Manning the helm for Gen.G is none other than Pio. And if you aren’t familiar with Pio, go watch his highlights from PNC. Seriously, go do it right now. I’ll wait.

>>>>>>>

Finished? Ok. You’re welcome.

Pio is both the main shot-caller and top fragger for Gen.G. He is a complete package of a player. The guy is nutty good with DMR’s, and has shown excellent game sense. Loki and Taemin are your tertiary damage dealers, coming into to assist Pio when called upon. Esther is the final member of the roster, and he plays more of a support role, having the most revives on the team, and acting as secondary shot-caller. However, Pio has been very consistent for Gen.G recently (1.46 kills/game and 287.3 damage/game) which puts him in the top 3 or 4 for both categories in Phase 3 of the PKL. The biggest weakness of Pio is an occasional propensity to overextend himself and die needlessly alone. The rest of Gen.G’s numbers and play left something to be desired as well. No other player averaged a kill/game, and only Taemin averaged over 200 damage/game. If the rest of Gen.G can pick up their play (and some of the blame falls on Pio’s play calling and occasional over-aggressive scouting for sure), they have a real shot at the title this year.

Gen.G will often run 1–3 or 1–2–1 splits mid to late game, typically with Pio leading the way (and occasionally Esther). When running a 1–2–1 split, you are likely to see one of the other members (often Taemin) providing the sniping and rear cover. Loki and Esther will fill in the support role and back up Pio as necessary. When it comes to early game rotations, Pio is your scout 90% of the time, and depending on drop locations/loot available/etc, Esther will sometimes take up the role. Gen.G is not afraid to take some circle damage early and try to find late entrances into early circles.

3.) SKT1 (Erangel: Mansion-ish, Miramar: Minas Generales/Graveyard, Sanhok: Lakawi-ish)

SKT1 came into Phase 3 with a bang, racking up tons of kills and wins on the back of breakout star Akad, who ended up being the top fragger in the PKL for phase, posting an impressive 1.85 kills/game, 1.63 knocks/game, and 293.3 damage/game. Akad was the number 1 player in the PKL IN ALL THREE of these stats for Phase 3. The guy was an absolute monster. Not surprisingly, SKT1 led the PKL in kills during this most recent phase. As a team, SKT1 historically was always a team that would have one massive week each phase, then kind of fall back into mediocrity. However, this phase proved to be an awakening for them, dominating the first 4 weeks. They looked unstoppable on Sanhok, winning 2 of the first 3 games they played on it, even posting a ridiculous 17 kill game. However, as the phase went on, they lost their explosiveness, and Entus Force topped them as the best team in the league. But as the cracks in the armor appeared, SKT1 was able to bounce back on the final day of the phase to secure their ticket to the PGC. So while there are doubts about this team’s resiliency, there is no doubt about their ability to erupt and dominate an event for a period of time.

Of course when talking about SKT1, Akad is what first comes to mind these days, as I already mentioned. But, behind him is a solid supporting cast, each with strengths in their own right. Helen has been a welcome addition to SKT1, taking on the role of primary in-game leader. Early on in the season, a more aggressive play-style seemed to benefit them and they could just take any fight they went into. But as the season wore on, they began to play more passive and tighten up, I think somewhat to their detriment. Adder has taken more of a supporting role, finding himself becoming more of a backup/sniper at times (he led the team in revives during Phase 3), but used to be considered their top fragger. That just goes to show how much talent is on this team. JeffLocka comes in as the final member of the team, and he is a consistent support player who is quite capable of popping off himself from time to time.

SKT1 is going to favor 2–2 splits early (condensing around circle 3 or 4 into a full squad if the circle favors them), sometimes going in 1–2–1 and aren’t afraid to aggressively cover large amounts of space. Usually, you will see Akad and Adder spread out and paired with one of the two remaining other team members as they are considered to have the higher fragging power in 2–2, and sometimes in a 1–2–1 they are happy to leave Akad and Adder alone as they can often out duel opponents and usually don’t overextend themselves.

4.) Afreeca Freecs Fatal (Erangel: Mylta Power-ish, Miramar: North Los Leones, Sanhok: Kampong-ish)

The paragons of consistency in the PKL, and a team that bounced back after a rough finish at FGS and a slightly down Phase 2 where they finished 7th, found their mojo again in Phase 3 when they finished 3rd and coasted their way into a PGC slot by accumulating the second most points behind Entus Force for the totality of the year. During Phase 3, they found themselves as the kings of Sanhok in the PKL, averaging a strong 7.9 points/game on it. Miramar was a struggle for them, averaging only 5.7 points/game, and their Erangel was above average at 7.7 points/game, 4th best in the PKL. However, Phase 3 did bring about a slightly more aggressive Fatal team, picking up 211 kills throughout, only 1 of 5 teams to get over 200 kills. Also, their ability to consistently find themselves in late game situations was top tier. 63% of the time they found themselves in the top 8, 33% in the top 4, with only Entus Force being more consistent overall in Phase 3. Fatal’s biggest weakness at international events has been their reliance on playing too conservatively and getting caught in bad situations by not taking opportunities when they present themselves. But maybe the lessons they learned on Sanhok this phase can bolster their performance at PGC.

The Freecs have had the same roster throughout the year. Their main play-caller is Style, and will often function as their point man/recon as well. On top of all that, he was their top killer in Phase 3 at 60 kills in 48 games. NN has historically been their top fragger, but had a slightly off, but still very respectable, Phase 3 at 56 kills. He will often work in the middle of AFF’s formations along with Lambu who has proven to be a consistent all-around player. In the rearguard is Shadow, who often lives up to his name. His job is to stay in the back, snipe stuff if possible, but most importantly his job is to stay alive. So many times you will see him as the sole surviving member of the team, and does it with shocking efficiency.

AFF plays PUBG like it’s Monopoly. They are one of the greediest teams I can remember in terms of spreading out and taking over territory. If the circle is favorable for them, it’s not unusual to see them do 1–1–1–1 splits that cover upwards of a 1km x 1km square of the map. 2–2 splits with similar distances are also possible. Yet somehow, they are often able to make this work. Yes, they may lose 1–3 members, but then there is always Shadow there coming through and squeaking out a few points for them regardless if things go upside-down. Even if a team manages to sneak inside their containment, they can navigate around it and group back up successfully more often than not as things progress in the game. The key for AFF at PGC is going to be making these positions work, and continuing to have confidence in their slaying abilities (which are well balanced across the team).

5.) Detonator (Erangel: Pochinki/Military Base, Miramar: Monte Nuevo, Sanhok: Sanmee-ish)

Detonator, to me, is the biggest wild card coming from Korea. Finishing 5th in Phase 1 (just missing a spot at FGS), 3rd in Phase 2, which led to an 8th place finish at MET (worst among the Korean teams participating), and then a 9th place in Phase 3. So things have been trending down for ol’ DTN. BUT, a big part of their disappointing result in the final phase of the year was losing one of their key players, ISCO, to a 3 week ban, basically half the games they played in the phase. But I don’t know, that’s what my eyes told me. The results tell me they were good to start the phase, then fell apart as things went along regardless. Their strongest map is Miramar (7.4 points/game), but their Erangel and Sanhok left something to be desired (5.8 and 5.7 points/game respectively). Detonator is one of the more aggressive teams coming from Korea, but this can lead to them getting caught in bad situations (like being stuck in a shack with grenades pouring in on them).

Wick2d, at times controversial, but has been the shot-caller for DTN for a while. He likes to go out waaay ahead of the team and call the plays from there. However he will, too often for my tastes, get caught out on an island and leave it up to the rest of DTN to pick up the slack. When they can get into late game as a foursome, they are a force to be reckoned with. But it’s been rare for them as of late. Aqua5, considered by some to be the best support-type player in Korea (hence his spot on the PNC roster), is a consistent middle man who can provide damage and assistance reliably. Hikari is the top fragger from Detonator, with 1.31 kills/game. ISCO had to spend some of the phase in timeout, but his return bolstered their firepower by a fair amount.

Detonator is well known for running a 1–3 style with Wick2d in the front, as mentioned before. If they can get into late game with all 4 members going, they look to third party and take advantage of odd-man situations at a higher rate than I would say is typical for PKL teams. This leads to a very feast-or-famine style for them. The good news if you are DTN is that a format like PGC could really benefit them and see them having a strong performance. The bad news is they could just outright lay an egg and possibly see themselves making an early exit.

6.) OGN Entus Ace (Erangel: Rohzak, Miramar: West of Water/North of San Martin, Sanhok: West of Quarry)

The final team to qualify from the PKL, winning an intense 6 game match a week after the Phase ended, with an electrifying 9 kill chicken dinner to secure their spot for the world finals. Ace is a team that historically, has been up there in the Korea leagues. However, after a heartbreaking week 5 of Phase 2, where they essentially lost their chance at making it to the MET, they also lost their top player CRISTIS in the offseason, who had for a long time been one of the best slayers in the PKL. Things were looking down for the Ace boys. The start to Phase 3 seemed to just affirm that all was potentially lost for them, coming out in 16th overall in the league after the second week. But, things started to pick up mid-season for them, acquiring a couple of gutsy wins, they were able to scrape out a reasonable, but not great, 11th place finish. Meaning they were one of the sixteen teams going into the one day, 6 game event, with a chance to get themselves to LA/Oakland. And they did it, in an emotional victory, that left their player Joy with literal tears of joy.

With what is most likely the least known roster (player wise) internationally from Korea going into PGC, there are a lot of unusual players who have come together for this magic moment. Alphaca, who has bounced around PKL teams, came from LaVega and has taken over as their in-game leader and team captain. He will often be their scout as well, and has surprising durability, finding the most revives for Ace in Phase 3. Raeng is going to be the top fragger, coming in with a 1.13 kill/game ratio, and will occasionally serve as a scout himself. Mickey is going to plug up the middle and act more as a support role, unless he has a motorcycle because he is well known for his skills with said vehicle, and will then take point. Joy will be the trailing member, just looking to stand around and do damage (himself being the highest average damage dealer on the team).

Preferring 2–2 splits, usually Alphaca/Raeng out front and Mickey/Joy behind, they run a pretty conventional style overall. However, the one big take away I took away from Entus Ace from Phase 3 was their occasional ultra-aggressive center circle pushes they will take, and their ability to make those work. They will often get caught in transition attempting these, BUT, from time to time, they will bomb into the middle, like around the phase 3 or 4 circle, and do a fantastic job holding a location they fancy. I can particularly remember a game where they dove into the small-ish crater on top of the hill to the West of Lipovka, and were able to play a hotly contested spot incredibly well. If I am Entus Ace, I am looking to try and rely on this to have a chance. And never count out a team that qualifies for an international event from a short-form event. It can often give them the confidence and the right ideas for making it work in such a situation.

In Conclusion

For my final thoughts, I think it’s hard to not consider Korea one of, if not the, top region to win PGC. 3 teams, including the winner, in the top 6 at FGS. First and second at MET, with all four teams being in the top 8. Second at PNC (though I don’t really think that makes too much of an impact). Hopefully this guide will give you a better and more enjoyable experience watching PGC and the KR teams, and that you will tune into more of the PKL in the future. And if all goes well, maybe we can get global coverage of one of the top tier regions in the world again.

Thanks so much for reading, and see you in LA!