Embark Studios today announced the TGM26 Online Series, a fully open global competitive circuit for THE FINALS, culminating in The Grand Major 2026 at DreamHack Stockholm from November 27–29.
With a $200,000 total prize pool, the new season introduces a structured pathway where anyone can compete, as teams from AMERICAS, EMEA, and APAC battle their way to the world championship stage.
Sign-ups for the Online Series open today, April 16, with competition hosted on FACEIT.
“The response to our first Major showed us what competitive THE FINALS can be,” says Christian Aarsrud, Executive Producer at Embark Studios. “With this season, we’re opening that opportunity to everyone. If you’ve got a team and the skill, this is your path to the biggest stage we have.”
Across four competitive cycles, teams earn points through open entry tournaments and broadcast Top 8 stages, competing for qualification into The Grand Major 2026.
The season culminates at DreamHack Stockholm where 16 teams will compete across three days of live competition for a $150,000 prize pool and the title of world champion.
Following a debut year that saw more than 1,600 teams compete globally, THE FINALS continues to expand its competitive ecosystem — combining open access, structured progression, and high-stakes live events.
The first matches begin in May, with APAC kicking off on May 30.
“What we saw from the first Major is that there’s real potential in competitive THE FINALS,” says Christian Aarsrud, Executive Producer at Embark Studios. “With the Online Series, we’re starting to build a more structured path into that. It’s about making competitive play more accessible, and giving more teams a clear way to reach the highest level of competition.”
“Embark is one of the most innovative publishers in gaming, and THE FINALS is a one-of-a-kind FPS with a dedicated cult following,” says Adam Apicella, SVP Esports at ESL FACEIT Group. “Last year’s 1,000+ strong crowd in Stockholm proved how passionate the fans are on Embark’s home turf. We’re proud to help continue to grow this ecosystem, providing the grassroots path for players to go from the couch to the main stage.”
Registration is now open via FACEIT.
For more information, visit reachthefinals.com.
Want to experience the Grand Major live? Secure your spot by signing up for exclusive pre-sale access to DreamHack Stockholm at https://dhk.gg/stockholm-2026.
About DreamHack
DreamHack is where the gaming world comes to life. More than a festival, it’s a celebration of play, competition, and community — all under one roof. Whether you’re here to meet your favorite creators, compete on stage, watch the greatest tournaments, explore new games, or adventure into our immersive expo, DreamHack is the place to connect, share, and create unforgettable moments. From esports tournaments and cosplay championships to music, gaming, and hands-on experiences, every corner is alive with energy and excitement. DreamHack is part of ESL FACEIT Group, the leading competitive games and esports company.
About ESL FACEIT Group
ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) is the leading esports and video game entertainment company dedicated to creating worlds beyond gameplay where players and fans become community. EFG is built on a legacy of world-renowned brands including ESL, FACEIT, DreamHack and DreamHack Sports Games, providing innovative ecosystems for global communities of players, fans and creators around the games they love. Working alongside leading partners, brands and global IPs, EFG operates an unmatched portfolio of live events, digital platforms and developer tools that reach and engage millions of gamers worldwide.
For more general information on ESL FACEIT Group, visit eslfaceitgroup.com, the EFG Newsroom or follow ESL FACEIT Group on LinkedIn.
About THE FINALS
THE FINALS is a free-to-play, team-based first-person shooter developed by Embark Studios. Set within a virtual combat game show, players engage in dynamic, destructible arenas, utilizing a variety of weapons and gadgets to compete in escalating tournaments for fame and glory. Released on December 7, 2023, THE FINALS is available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC platforms.
About Embark Studios
Embark Studios AB (Stockholm, Sweden) was founded in November 2018. Today, Embark Studios has more than 250 game-makers applying breakthrough technologies to reimagine how games are made and what they can become. In 2021, Embark was acquired in full by NEXON Co., Ltd. In 2023, Embark released THE FINALS, its first game, and followed it with global success ARC Raiders — a multiplayer, extraction adventure released in late 2025.
Press Contacts
Nick Caplin | EFG | VP Corporate Communications & PR
press@efg.gg
