The road to the PGL Major Singapore 2026 just took an unexpected turn. With the event set to run from November 24 to December 13, four prominent organizations have been forced to undergo a last-minute identity shift to comply with local regulations.
Singapore’s Gambling Control Act 2022 strictly prohibits the promotion of unlicensed gambling services. Because the host nation only permits betting through the state-authorized Singapore Pools, any team whose branding is directly tied to offshore iGaming operators has been flagged. This isn't just about covering up a sponsor logo on a jersey; these organizations must scrub their names, logos, and in-game stickers to avoid potential legal friction.
The affected teams have been quick to adapt, opting for creative, albeit temporary, alternatives:
- BC.Game will compete as GOSH
- 1win will compete as The One
- BetBoom Team will compete as BB Team
- PARIVISION will compete as P Vision
For fans, this creates a confusing visual landscape. Team identity is the bedrock of the fan experience, and seeing a squad like BC.Game—featuring stars like s1mple—compete under the "GOSH" banner is a jarring reminder of how local jurisdiction can dictate the terms of global esports.
This isn't the first time Valve and tournament organizers have navigated these waters. We saw similar friction at the StarLadder Major Budapest 2025, where Imperial had to alter branding that leaned too heavily into gambling aesthetics. However, the scale of this mandate in Singapore is distinct. While players and rosters remain untouched, the loss of consistent branding could impact sticker revenue, which remains a vital financial pillar for organizations and players alike.
As we look toward the matches in Singapore, it remains to be seen if these temporary identities will stick or if fans will struggle to track their favorite squads. For those tracking the tournament favorites, keep an eye on our MyEsports predictions as the meta settles in the lead-up to the opening stage.