The competitive gaming world is buzzing with excitement. The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Year 5 Championship is coming to Sapporo, Japan, from January 15-18, 2026.
The stakes? A massive $5 million prize pool!!
The competitors? 160 of the world’s best teams.
This season marks the biggest and most ambitious chapter in ALGS history. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a competitive player grinding for glory, one thing is certain: in a game where every millisecond counts, your connection quality is as crucial as your aim.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Apex Legends Global Series. We’ll explore how a gaming VPN can be your secret weapon for a smoother, safer, and more competitive experience.
What Is the Apex Legends Global Series?
The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) is the premier competitive esports circuit for Apex Legends. It’s organized and run by Electronic Arts (EA) and Respawn Entertainment.
ALGS represents the highest level of professional play. It brings together the best squads from four major regions: the Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), APAC North, and APAC South.
Teams compete for millions of dollars in prizes. The ultimate goal? The title of world champion.
The series provides a clear pathway for aspiring players. You can go from amateur to pro through this dynamic and ever-evolving competitive ecosystem.
How Has ALGS Evolved Since Its Launch?
The ALGS journey has been one of rapid growth and adaptation. What started as regional online tournaments has blossomed into a global circuit of multi-million dollar LAN events.
The inaugural season in 2020-21 featured a $2.58 million prize pool. COVID-19 forced a pivot to a fully online format. The season culminated in five separate regional championships.
By Year 2, things had changed dramatically. The ALGS expanded to include console players on Xbox and PlayStation. It hosted its first-ever live-audience event at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. The prize pool jumped to $5 million.
Year 3 introduced the thrilling Match Point format. Teams must reach a certain point threshold before they can win by winning a match. This added a dramatic layer of strategy and excitement to the finals.
Viewership soared. The Year 2 Split Two Playoffs pulled in over 539,000 average minute audience—a record for any EA title at the time.
What Makes ALGS Year 5 Different From Previous Seasons?
Year 5 of the ALGS is a game-changer. Several new elements have shaken up the competitive landscape.
The season kicked off with the ALGS Open in New Orleans. This massive tournament featured 160 teams, a $1 million prize pool, and a thrilling double-elimination format.
But the innovations don’t stop there. This year introduced a Legend BAN system. The most-picked Legend is removed from play after each match. Teams must adapt their strategies on the fly.
A Point-of-Interest (POI) drafting system was also added. Teams can strategically choose their landing spots.
Other significant changes include the consolidation of North and South American regions into a single Americas region. The Midseason Playoffs were held as part of the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, with a staggering $2 million prize pool.
The season will culminate in the Championship at the Sapporo Dome in Japan. The world’s best teams will battle for a $2 million prize and the coveted ALGS title.
Why Do Connection Issues Matter in Competitive Apex Legends?
In a fast-paced battle royale like Apex Legends, split-second decisions matter. Lightning-fast reflexes can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
A stable and responsive connection is paramount. However, the game has been plagued by server issues.
Many players complain about the 20-tick rate servers. These are considered low for a modern competitive FPS. This can lead to packet loss, lag spikes, and server crashes.
All of these problems severely impact competitive integrity. They also ruin the viewing experience for fans.
For professional players and streamers, these issues are more than just an annoyance. They can be a major roadblock to success.
A sudden lag spike can cause a player to miss a crucial shot. A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack can completely disconnect them from a match. This could cost them a tournament.
This is where a gaming VPN can make a real difference.
How Can VPNs Improve Your Apex Legends Gaming Experience?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be a powerful tool for gamers. It offers a range of benefits that can enhance your Apex Legends experience.
A VPN routes your internet traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel. This helps you overcome common connection issues and protects you from online threats.
DDoS Protection
One of the biggest advantages is DDoS protection. By masking your real IP address, a VPN makes it impossible for attackers to target you.
This is a common tactic used to disrupt the connections of competitive players and streamers.
Reduce Lag and Ping
A VPN can help you reduce lag and ping. It provides a more direct route to the game servers, bypassing congested or poorly optimized ISP routing.
This can be especially beneficial for players in regions with poor internet infrastructure.
Bypass ISP Throttling
A VPN can help you bypass ISP throttling. Internet service providers sometimes intentionally slow down your connection when they detect high-bandwidth activities like gaming.
Access Regional Servers
Want to play with friends in other regions? A VPN can help you access regional servers. You can connect to game servers in other countries.
Privacy Protection
Finally, a VPN provides an extra layer of privacy protection. It hides your gaming activity from your ISP and other prying eyes.
What Are the Top 5 VPNs for Gaming in 2026?
Choosing the right VPN for gaming can be daunting. So many options exist on the market.
We’ve reviewed the top 5 gaming VPNs for 2026. We focused on features that matter most to gamers: speed, latency, server network, and security.
#1: NordVPN – Best Overall for Competitive Gaming
Rating: 4.5/5 (Outstanding)
NordVPN is our top pick for competitive gamers. It delivers exceptional performance and robust security features.
Its proprietary NordLynx protocol is built around the lightweight WireGuard protocol. This ensures blazing-fast speeds with minimal impact on latency—as low as a 3% speed reduction in some tests.
Network: Over 6,000 servers in 118 countries. You’ll have no trouble finding a fast and stable connection to any Apex Legends server.
Key Features:
- Meshnet feature for virtual LAN gaming sessions
- Built-in DDoS protection
- Split tunneling
- Strict no-logs policy
- Multi-hop connections
Simultaneous Connections: 6 devices
Pricing: Premium tier, but worth it for the features
Best For: Competitive players, streamers, and serious gamers who need the full feature set
#2: ExpressVPN – Best for Reliable Performance
Rating: 4.0/5 (Excellent)
ExpressVPN is known for its consistent performance and extensive server network.
Network: Over 13,360 servers in 105 countries. It offers the largest and most geographically diverse server network of any VPN on our list.
Its custom-built Lightway protocol is designed for speed and reliability. It consistently delivers fast speeds with low latency—around 18% speed reduction.
Key Features:
- Post-quantum encryption protocols
- Excellent privacy practices
- Strong no-logs policy
- Proven track record
Simultaneous Connections: 8 devices
Pricing: Expensive but reliable
Best For: Gamers prioritizing consistency and privacy
#3: Surfshark – Best Value for Gaming Households
Rating: 4.0/5 (Excellent)
Looking for a budget-friendly VPN that doesn’t compromise on performance? Surfshark is an excellent choice.
Network: Over 3,200 servers in 100 countries
It offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This makes it perfect for households with multiple gamers or devices.
Its implementation of the WireGuard protocol ensures fast speeds and low latency. It performs exceptionally well on gigabit connections.
Key Features:
- Unlimited devices
- Kill switch
- Multi-hop connections
- Quarterly transparency reports
- Strict no-logs policy
Pricing: Affordable long-term plans (as low as $1.99/month on 2-year plan)
Best For: Families, multiple gamers, and budget-conscious users
#4: IPVanish – Best for Unlimited Connections
Rating: 4.0/5 (Excellent)
Like Surfshark, IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This makes it great for gaming groups or families.
Network: Over 2,400 servers in more than 75 locations
The app is well-designed and easy to use. The server network is geographically diverse.
Key Features:
- Unlimited devices
- Transparent privacy policy
- Minimal impact on throughput speeds
- User-friendly interface
Best For: Gaming teams or families sharing one subscription
#5: Private Internet Access – Fast & Affordable Alternative
Private Internet Access (PIA) is another great option for budget-conscious gamers.
Network: Large server network with global coverage
It consistently delivers fast speeds with low latency—under 10% speed loss in some tests.
Key Features:
- Customizable encryption
- Strict no-logs policy
- Advanced security features
- Granular control options
Best For: Budget gamers wanting good performance with more control
How Do You Set Up a VPN for Apex Legends?
Setting up a VPN for Apex Legends is simple. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a VPN
Select a VPN that meets your needs. Consider whether you’re prioritizing speed, security, or price.
Step 2: Download and Install
Download the VPN app for your device from the provider’s website. Install it.
Step 3: Connect to a Server
Connect to a VPN server that’s close to the Apex Legends game server you want to play on. This helps you get the best possible ping.
Step 4: Test Your Connection
Launch Apex Legends. Check your ping and connection quality in the game’s settings.
Step 5: Use Split Tunneling (Optional)
If your VPN offers split tunneling, configure it. You can route only your Apex Legends traffic through the VPN. Your other internet traffic goes through your regular connection.
Step 6: Monitor Your Performance
Keep an eye on your performance. Switch servers if you experience any issues.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of free trials and money-back guarantees. Test out the service before committing to a long-term plan.
Important: Check the game’s terms of service regarding VPN use. Some games may have restrictions in place.
Controversies Surrounded ALGS
Like any major esports league, the ALGS has had its share of controversies.
The inaugural season was marred by technical issues. Game crashes and bugs plagued the first online qualifiers.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a major pivot to an online format. This was a significant departure from the planned LAN events.
More recently, the Year 5 Midseason Playoffs sparked controversy. The decision to host them at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh raised concerns. Critics pointed to human rights abuses by the Saudi monarchy.
This led to accusations of sportswashing. At least one player boycotted the tournament.
The quality of the game’s servers has also been a recurring issue. Many players and fans are calling for an upgrade to the 20-tick rate servers.
Where Can You Watch ALGS Events?
You can catch all the ALGS action on the official channels.
Primary Platforms:
- Official Apex Legends Twitch channel
- Official Apex Legends YouTube channel
The broadcasts feature multiple camera angles, expert commentary, and in-depth analysis. You can also use the multiview feature to watch multiple streams at once.
Missed a match? Catch up on all the highlights and VODs on the official ALGS YouTube channel.
Who Are the Top ALGS Teams to Watch?
The ALGS is home to some of the most talented teams in esports. Here are the top teams to watch:
Team Falcons – Winners of the 2025 ALGS Open
VK Gaming – Champions of the 2025 Midseason Playoffs
GoNext – Winners of the Year 4 Championship
DarkZero Esports – Year 2 Champions
Team SoloMid – Winners of the Year 3 Split 1 Playoffs
These teams represent the pinnacle of competitive Apex Legends. They showcase incredible skill, strategy, and teamwork.
Conclusion
The Apex Legends Global Series has come a long way since its inception. Year 5 is shaping up to be the biggest and most exciting season yet.
Whether you’re a competitive player striving for the top or a dedicated fan cheering from the sidelines, a stable connection is essential. You need the best possible experience.
A gaming VPN can be a valuable tool in your arsenal. It helps you reduce lag, protects you from DDoS attacks, and unlocks a world of gaming possibilities.
The ALGS Championship is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to try out a gaming VPN and see the difference it can make.
Whether you choose our top pick, NordVPN, or one of the other excellent options on our list, you’ll be well on your way. Get ready for a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable Apex Legends experience.
