PGL Appoints Runestone as Official Data Partner for Cluj-Napoca 2026

(CLUJ-NAPOCA, ROMANIA – February 2026) PGL, the world-renowned tournament organizer, has announced a strategic partnership with Runestone for the upcoming PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Counter-Strike 2 event. This agreement will see Runestone serve as the event's Official Data Partner supplying the technology and infrastructure to power a new era of interactive fan engagement while guaranteeing the highest levels of competitive integrity.

With a $1,250,000 prize pool, Cluj-Napoca 2026 ranks among the world's most prestigious Counter-Strike 2 events. Counter-Strike 2 remains the most-watched esports on Twitch, with 372 million hours viewed annually, while Cluj-Napoca 2025 alone generated over 16 million hours watched. By engaging a community that steadily counts more than 1 million daily players, this tournament offers direct access to the most high-growth audience in digital entertainment.

As part of this partnership's focus on data integrity, Runestone will be utilizing its technology infrastructure to ensure distribution of live match data is protected while providing fans, media and other partners with the highest quality content. Runestone will monitor tournament matches to identify any suspicious gameplay or market behavior, generating and sharing actionable insight reports for PGL to safeguard the competition's integrity.

“Integrity and engagement are two sides of the same coin,” said Shane Clarke, Managing Director at Runestone. “At PGL Cluj-Napoca, the stakes are too high for 'close enough' data. We are providing the unshakeable foundation that guarantees fairness, which then allows us to build the interactive broadcast experience on top of it. We are lighting up the stream while keeping the competition's soul protected.”

“At PGL, innovation is in our DNA. Partnering with Runestone empowers us to deliver a level of interactivity that was once beyond reach: evolving the broadcast into a complete digital ecosystem designed for the next generation of esports fans.” Silviu Stroie, CEO of PGL

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 runs February 14-22, 2026. Through this partnership, PGL and Runestone ensure that the only thing deciding the outcome is the skill of the players, while the only limit to the fan experience is their imagination.

About Runestone

Runestone is a data and engagement infrastructure that transforms live esports into interactive, data-driven experiences. Using real-time in-game information sourced directly from tournament organizers and publishers, Runestone delivers fast, accurate overlays and analytics that elevate broadcasts, deepen fan engagement, and unlock meaningful operational insights. Committed to transparency and competitive integrity, Runestone also monitors matches for suspicious activity to protect fair play and strengthen trust across the esports ecosystem.

About PGL

Established in 2002, PGL is a global leader in esports event organization and high-end production. By seamlessly integrating studio management, video production, and international broadcasting, PGL has redefined the spectator experience for the world's most defining gaming franchises. Driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to showcasing the raw beauty of competition, PGL has delivered hundreds of world-class tournaments, connecting with millions of fans across every corner of the globe. At PGL, we don't just broadcast games; we craft the legendary moments that become the heartbeat of esports history.