On February 26, 2026, Samsung Electronics hosted the #PlayGalaxy Cup: PUBG Mobile Global Open in San Francisco, kicking off the 2026 #PlayGalaxy Cup annual league. This high-energy event attracted mobile esports enthusiasts from around the world and highlighted the superior gaming capabilities of the newly released Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The tournament featured a star-studded lineup of 16 players, including influencers and professional gamers. Teams included members from 100 Thieves such as Sunny, CouRage, NiceWigg, and Octane; OfflineTV creators TinaKitten, Yvonnie, Foolish, and Masayoshi; and eight influencers from TeamGalaxy. All competitors used the Galaxy S26 Ultra, showcasing its ability to deliver immersive, high-performance gameplay on a mobile platform.
Popular streamer Ludwig hosted the event, offering live interviews, commentary, and fan interactions. The competition was livestreamed on Ludwig's YouTube channel, garnering an impressive 16.77 million views, and also broadcast on Samsung's channel with co-streams by creators like Ashtax and Wynnsanity. On-site fans enjoyed a large screen displaying the action and an experience zone to test the Galaxy S26 Ultra's gaming features.
After intense rounds filled with cheers and excitement, the team from 100 Thieves - Sunny, CouRage, NiceWigg, and Octane - emerged victorious, claiming the championship trophy.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra shone in the spotlight with features like an enhanced vapor chamber to prevent overheating during extended play, improved ray tracing for stunning visuals, and overall graphics that transform the phone into a powerful gaming device. Participants praised its smooth performance in PUBG Mobile, noting how it handled the demands of competitive esports without compromise.
David Moon, Head of Influencer Marketing for Samsung's Mobile eXperience Business, commented: "The Global Open marked a milestone with the launch of the inaugural 2026 #PlayGalaxy Cup league. We look forward to continuing this journey with gaming fans around the world."
Looking ahead, the #PlayGalaxy Cup expands into a full-season league with regional qualifiers starting in May across Europe, Southeast Asia and Oceania, North America, India, and South America. Top teams will compete in the World Final at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany. More details will be available through regional host streamer channels, with all matches livestreamed globally.