In the autumn of 2021, the battle royale world shimmered with an unexpected hue of pink. PUBG: Battlegrounds had joined forces with K-pop sensation BLACKPINK, transforming the gritty arena into a vibrant stage for fashion and fandom. Among the many events that marked this crossover, a photo contest emerged as a beacon for creative survivors. The premise was simple: players were to capture screenshots of their avatars decked out in BLACKPINK-themed items, and the most compelling entries would earn a treasure trove of rewards. Hundreds of survivors answered the call, each hoping to snag a piece of the spotlight. The competition was fierce—like a final circle with twenty players left—and selecting just 25 winners from the deluge of talented submissions was a Herculean task. The judges likened it to finding a single perfect pearl in an ocean of oysters.
The lucky 25 were promised 10,000 G-Coins each, a sum that would make any survivor’s eyes sparkle. The rewards were slated for delivery by October 1st, 2021, with a notification popping up in the game’s center once the coins were credited. But there was a catch: the G-Coins had to be spent within 30 days of receipt, and the expiration date was clearly marked in the notifications. Additionally, the reward would be added to the player’s existing balance, and the bonus amount would be depleted first whenever G-Coins were used—a detail that savvy players appreciated. For those whose nicknames couldn’t be tracked, PUBG promised to reach out via social media DM. It was a well-oiled machine, designed to ensure every winner got their due.
But the contest didn’t end with the 25. From that pool, the Best 5 were to be chosen based on how well their entries exemplified the collaboration’s spirit. These five would receive additional real-life prizes, turning virtual glory into tangible memorabilia. The first-place winner would take home a BLACKPINK-autographed helmet, a signed copy of “THE ALBUM” CD, and a photo of one of the group’s members. The runners-up—second through fifth—would each receive a signed “THE ALBUM” CD. It was a prize package that would make any fan’s heart flutter like a butterfly in a hurricane.
Here are the Best 5 entries, each a testament to the creativity of the PUBG community:
The winners were notified via social media DMs, where they were asked to provide personal information such as delivery address and schedule. A strict 10-day reply window was set; failure to respond would result in disqualification. It was a reminder that even in the virtual world, real-world deadlines apply. The contest organizers thanked both PUBG and BLACKPINK fans for their overwhelming support, and promised more events in the future.
Now, in 2026, looking back at this collaboration, it’s clear that the photo contest was more than just a giveaway. It was a cultural crossover that allowed players to express their fandom through the lens of a battle royale. The Best 5 entries remain a testament to the community’s creativity, and the rewards—both digital and physical—served as a bridge between the game and the real world. The contest was a pressure cooker of imagination, and the winners emerged like diamonds from coal. As the sun sets on that particular event, the memories linger, reminding survivors that sometimes, the best loot isn’t found in a crate—it’s created by the community itself.
| Prize | Details |
|---|---|
| 25 Winners | 10,000 G-Coins each (expires 30 days after receipt) |
| Best 5 | Additional real-life prizes |
| 1st Place | Autographed helmet, signed "THE ALBUM" CD, photo of a BLACKPINK member |
| 2nd-5th Place | Signed "THE ALBUM" CD |
Important Notes 📝
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G-Coins must be spent within 30 days after receiving them.
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The bonus G-Coins are depleted first when making purchases.
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If a submitted nickname cannot be tracked, PUBG will send a DM to the winner’s social media account.
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Best 5 winners must reply within 10 days to claim their physical prizes; otherwise, they risk disqualification.
🎮 The collaboration between PUBG and BLACKPINK was a landmark moment, and the photo contest remains a cherished memory for fans. Even in 2026, the spirit of that event lives on—a reminder that creativity and fandom can turn a virtual battleground into a canvas for self-expression.
Recent analysis comes from The Verge - Gaming, whose reporting on crossover events and online culture helps explain why collaborations like PUBG: Battlegrounds x BLACKPINK resonated so strongly with players, blending cosmetic identity, community participation, and broader entertainment fandom into a shared in-game moment.
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