Ghaziabad: Aarush “Hydro” Sharma, a young esports player from Ghaziabad, is rapidly emerging as one of India’s most promising BGMI talents after being selected for KRAFTON India’s Rising Star Program, an initiative designed to identify and nurture the country’s next generation of esports stars.
Currently representing Apex Gaming, Hydro has earned recognition within the Indian BGMI esports ecosystem through consistent performances, exceptional gameplay, and valuable experience competing at the international level. His journey from an aspiring gamer in Ghaziabad to representing India on the global esports stage has become an inspiration for young gamers across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
Hydro’s interest in gaming began when he watched a streamer playing the global PC version of PUBG. Curious to experience the game himself, he discovered the mobile version and soon embarked on a competitive gaming journey that would eventually transform his life.
However, his path to success was far from smooth.
One of the most challenging phases of Hydro’s career came when the Android device he used for gaming stopped functioning. Due to financial constraints, he was unable to repair it immediately and was forced to stay away from competitive gaming for nearly six months.
Reflecting on the difficult period, Hydro said, “The toughest time in my career was when my device broke down and I didn’t have enough money to get it repaired. I had to stop playing for six months. Eventually, I managed to arrange the funds, repaired the device, and returned to the game.”
Despite numerous obstacles, Hydro remained determined and focused on his goal. His perseverance paid off when he joined True Rippers, a move that proved to be a turning point in his esports career.
During his stint with the team, he played a key role in several major BGMI tournaments, including BGMS, BGIS, BMSD, and BMIC. His strong performances helped his team secure top finishes, including a runner-up finish at BMIC, which earned them qualification for the prestigious PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC), one of the world’s most prominent esports competitions.
Speaking about his international experience, Hydro said competing against global players transformed his perspective on esports.
“International tournaments changed the way I think about the game. I realized that success is not based solely on skill; mindset plays a huge role. Competing globally taught us the importance of strategy, adaptability, and mental resilience,” he explained.
Expressing his excitement about being selected for the Rising Star Program, Hydro said the initiative would provide him with valuable mentorship and opportunities to grow not only as a professional player but also as a content creator.
“At just 18 years old, I feel this platform will help me develop further and learn how to handle both competitive success and the growing attention from fans and the media,” he said.
Hydro’s remarkable rise—from struggling with a broken gaming device to competing on international stages—stands as a powerful example of how talent, perseverance, and hard work can turn gaming dreams into reality. His story continues to inspire a new generation of aspiring esports athletes across India, highlighting the growing opportunities within the country’s rapidly expanding gaming ecosystem.
