War Thunder kicks off the WTCS Pro League Major II with intense 4v4 aerial combat

The competitive scene of War Thunder is taking flight once again. Gaijin Entertainment has officially announced the start of the qualifiers for the WTCS Pro League Major II, the second major tournament of the season within the War Thunder Championships Series 2026—a competition that continues to establish itself as the premier Esports showcase for the military simulator.

On this occasion, the championship will focus exclusively on high-rank 4v4 aerial combat, pushing players into much faster, more technical, and more strategic encounters. The structure will require teams to form rosters of up to seven pilots, adding a significant tactical layer involving rotations, adaptability, and aircraft selection based on the opponent and the map.

Far from being mere individual duels, the WTCS seeks to promote group coordination and mastery of advanced modern air combat mechanics. Airspace control, energy management, and synchronization between pilots will be absolutely vital to surviving engagements where a single small mistake can decide the entire match.

The competitive calendar will kick off shortly with two open qualifiers to select the teams advancing to the official playoffs. The first will take place on May 9th and 10th, while the second will be held on May 16th and 17th, both starting at 15:00 GMT. Following these, the top teams will face off in the playoffs scheduled for May 23rd, 24th, 30th, and 31st.

One of the most interesting aspects of the format is that each qualifier allows only four teams to advance, considerably increasing competitive pressure from the very first rounds. This forces squads to arrive fully prepared from the start, leaving no room for errors or improvised tactical experiments.

Gaijin also continues to strengthen the professional focus of the War Thunder Championships Series, aiming to build a more solid and stable competitive ecosystem around the game. In recent years, War Thunder’s Esports component has grown steadily thanks to more structured formats, better-produced broadcasts, and a community that is increasingly specialized in high-level air combat.

The use of high-rank aircraft also ensures particularly spectacular encounters. Modern jets vastly increase the speed and complexity of the matches, requiring players to master radars, missiles, positioning, and resource management in extremely aggressive scenarios.

For many veteran pilots, this Major II also represents a key opportunity to gauge the current state of the competitive meta. Constant balance adjustments and vehicle changes often significantly alter dominant strategies between seasons, meaning the qualifiers could reveal new compositions and tactics within the professional circuit.

With registrations now open, War Thunder is once again putting the spotlight on its most competitive community with a tournament that promises intense aerial duels, pinpoint strategies, and some of the game's best pilots fighting for a spot in the WTCS Pro League Major II. More information here.