KRAFTON India Opens Registrations for Rising Stars Programme 2026

First batch of Rising Stars | Image via Krafton

KRAFTON India, developers behind BGMI, has started registrations for the Esports Rising Stars Programme 2026, running from January 20 to February 20.

The selected Rising Stars will be announced during BGIS 2026 on KRAFTON India’s social media and will be onboarded later in the year.

This programme is part of KRAFTON’s push to support young esports talent in India and build a long-term pipeline for players and creators.

The 2026 edition comes with a clearer structure compared to last year. It introduces two tiers: Elite Rising Stars and Backup Rising Stars.

Elite Rising Stars will get more support, including streaming devices, room cards, and visibility opportunities. Backup Rising Stars will receive room card support and can move up to the Elite tier if they perform well.

KRAFTON India also plans to host multiple tournaments exclusively for Rising Stars throughout the year. These events will give participants regular competitive exposure, prize pools to play for, and a chance to grow in a structured environment.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Krafton India Esports Rising Star Program:

• Follower/Subscriber Count: Have at least 1,000 followers or subscribers on YouTube, Facebook, or any other streaming platform.

• Content Consistency: Regularly create and share content related to BGMI, with at least 20% of recent content focused on the game.

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old.

• Code of Conduct Compliance: Adhere to the KIE Rising Stars Program Code of Conduct, which promotes respectful and appropriate content.

• Official Events Participation: Must have participated in at least two official BGMI events.

How to Register:

To register for the KRAFTON India Esports Rising Stars Programme 2026, follow these steps.:

• Visit the Official Portal, look for the Rising Stars Programme 2026 registration banner. [Direct Link]

• Fill Out the Application Form

  • Provide your basic details: name, age, contact information, and region.

  • Enter your BGMI player name and ID and relevant social media handles (Instagram, YouTube, etc.) if you are a creator.

• Submit The Form.

Speaking about the initiative, Karan Pathak, Associate Director – Esports, KRAFTON India, said: “As India’s esports ecosystem matures, creators need more than short-term visibility—they need consistency, competitive relevance, and clear pathways to grow. With Rising Star 2026, we’ve built a more structured, performance-led programme that rewards commitment and progression.”

The Rising Stars Programme was first launched in 2025 with seven participants, including NOOBPARI, SHIRAJ, ZALAIKAM, SAUMRAJ, MERNOX, SAM, and EVIL. Many of them now saw strong growth on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, with live streaming helping them connect more closely with fans.

With the 2026 edition, KRAFTON India is making the programme bigger and more organised. By combining mentorship, infrastructure support, and regular tournaments, the Rising Stars Programme is shaping the future of Indian esports and giving grassroots talent a clear path to success.