In a bold leap onto the global stage, free-to-play hero shooter FragPunk is making its competitive debut with a $200,000 Global Invitational—an ambitious foray into the high-octane world of esports.
Running from April 28 to June 7, 2025, the FragPunk Global Invitational brings together elite players from seven international regions to battle for a slice of the six-figure prize pool and the coveted World Clash Championship Trophy.
This inaugural event marks a milestone for the vibrant and fast-paced title, developed by NetEase Games, as it ventures into professional competition. Representing each of the participating regions—Germany, France, North America, Brazil, Russia, Mainland China, and the Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan area—are team captains tasked with scouting and assembling regional dream squads.
Among the high-profile names leading the charge are former VALORANT sensation turned creator Tyson ‘TenZ’ Ngo and Russian battle royale juggernaut Dmitrii ‘Recrent’ Osintsev. With five captains already announced, anticipation continues to build around who will round out the lineup.
A Two-Stage Fight for Glory
The road to Hangzhou begins with open regional qualifiers launching April 28. Over the course of a week, aspiring competitors will fight for a chance to represent their territory in the regional finals, set for May 3–11.
From there, the top-performing teams will fly to Hangzhou, China, where the Grand Finals will unfold June 5–7. The regional rounds will feature a $10,000 prize pool, while the Grand Finals will see $150,000 on the line—not to mention international bragging rights and the newly minted championship trophy.
A New Challenger on the Rise?
FragPunk’s entry into the esports arena is more than just a flashy announcement. The game brings a bold visual identity, strategic buy mechanics, and finely tuned gunplay—elements that set it apart from other hero shooters. With previous appearances at Twitch Rivals, FragPunk has already shown glimpses of its competitive viability.
Backed by NetEase Games, an esports-savvy publisher with a track record that includes Honor of Kings and Marvel Rivals, FragPunk is well-positioned to ignite its own competitive scene.
Accessibility is also a key component of its strategy. On April 29, FragPunk will roll out on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, broadening the playing field and paving the way for a truly global, cross-platform esports experience.
Whether it becomes the next big title in competitive gaming remains to be seen—but with $200,000 on the table and global ambitions in tow, FragPunk’s opening move is nothing short of game-changing.
