KRAFTON India Unveils First BGMI Rising Stars for 2025

KRAFTON India Esports has revealed the first group of 8 talented players selected for its BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) Rising Stars 2025 program. The announcement came during the opening day of the BGIS Grand LAN Finals 2025 at Kolkata.

The Rising Stars program aims to develop promising grassroots talent in India's growing esports scene. According to KRAFTON, the initiative provides comprehensive development that goes beyond just gaming skills, also focusing on content creation abilities and personal well-being.

The program was officially launched in December 2024 as a key component of KRAFTON India's esports strategy for 2025. Applications opened on January 21, with eight exceptional players making the cut for the inaugural cohort.

The selected Rising Stars include Shiraj Thapa, Kunal Bhaskar, Thongzalaikam Haokip, Paridhi Gupta, Oleed F, Samihan Kulkarni, Saumya Raj, and Anand Aman.

Karan Pathak, Associate Director of Esports at KRAFTON India, emphasized the program's deeper purpose: "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, helping them grow into the next big names in the industry."

The announcement carries special significance for two members of the cohort—Saumya Raj and Samihan Kulkarni—who have also qualified for the prestigious BGIS Grand Finals.

For these young athletes, the recognition represents a major milestone. Raj shared his excitement, saying, "To be named a Rising Star and also play in the LAN Finals—this is something I've dreamed about. This initiative is exactly what Indian esports needed—it makes you believe in yourself a little more."

Kulkarni shared similar sentiments about the opportunity, noting, "This platform is a game-changer. It makes all the grind worth it, and now I'm just focused on making the most of this opportunity."

The program represents KRAFTON's commitment to creating sustainable pathways for aspiring esports professionals in India, giving them the support needed to compete at both national and international levels.