PGL made an unconventional decision: the qualifiers for the PGL Belgrade 2025 tournament have been canceled. All 16 teams will receive direct invitations based on the VRS — Valve Ranking System. The tournament will take place from October 23 to November 2 at the Serbian Belgrade Arena.

The absence of qualifiers means that spectators will only see top teams; however, it also excludes teams capable of delivering surprises. A team like Apogee already amazed at PGL Bucharest by making it through the qualifiers and defeating the favorites of the event. Complexity, who were ranked 22nd and didn't qualify directly, proved their strength by reaching the semifinals — stories like these might be missing in Belgrade.

Meanwhile, the format of PGL Belgrade 2025 sets a clear focus on stability and tournament ranking. The cancellation of the qualifiers is a step towards simplifying the selection process but also changes the usual dynamic where unexpected teams could make a name for themselves. How justified this format will be will become clear as the tournament approaches.