By Anil Jaiswal
Kolkata: In a landmark moment for Indian esports, KRAFTON India Esports unveiled the inaugural batch of the “BGMI Rising Stars 2025” program. This ambitious initiative aims to discover and nurture the next generation of gaming icons across the country. The announcement was made on the opening day of the BGIS Grand LAN Finals 2025 — one of India’s largest competitive gaming stages — where the nation’s top 16 teams are battling for a massive prize pool of ₹3.2 crore.
The BGMI Rising Stars program goes beyond being a mere talent showcase. It is a comprehensive development platform meticulously designed to help young esports athletes grow, evolve, and establish themselves as mainstream gaming personalities. The eight athletes selected under this program not only represent gaming excellence but also embody the potential to inspire a new wave of aspiring gamers across India.
Notably, among the eight Rising Stars, Saumya Raj and Samihan Kulkarni have achieved a remarkable feat by not only securing their place in the Rising Stars roster but also qualifying for the BGIS Grand Finals — a testament to their burgeoning talent that is already shaping the competitive gaming landscape.
Speaking at the launch, Karan Pathak, Associate Director – Esports, KRAFTON India, said,
“BGMI Rising Stars 2025 is a celebration of passion, potential, and the future of Indian esports. It’s not just about identifying talent; it’s about supporting it with intent and helping these athletes grow into the next big names of the industry.”
The program promises continuous growth opportunities for these players through deep integration into KRAFTON’s esports ecosystem. Participants will also receive dedicated technical support to enhance their gameplay and overall performance, ensuring that every Rising Star is equipped with the right tools, guidance, and environment to excel.
Expressing their excitement, Saumya Raj said,
“For young athletes like us, this is not just recognition — it’s validation. Being named a Rising Star and playing at the LAN Finals is a dream come true. This initiative is exactly what Indian esports needed — it inspires you to believe in yourself even more.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Samihan Kulkarni added,
“This platform is truly a game-changer. It makes all the hard work worth it, and now my focus is on making the most of this incredible opportunity.”
With the BGMI Rising Stars 2025 program, KRAFTON India continues to solidify its commitment to building a robust and sustainable esports ecosystem in the country, empowering the next wave of champions to rise and shine.
