New Delhi: Krafton India is stepping into 2026 with an ambitious plan to shape Indian esports from the ground up. At the BGMI International Cup 2025 held in New Delhi, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India, announced the 2026 Esports Roadmap, outlining a structured pathway for Indian gaming talent, from local tournaments to global championships.
The company also introduced the Krafton India Awards, a new annual event designed to celebrate Indian gaming stars, scheduled to take place in Mumbai on January 9, 2026. The announcement marks a significant moment for the Indian esports scene, which has grown from small community events to large-scale global competitions.
Grassroots to global stage
Speaking to thousands of fans, Sean Hyunil Sohn described the roadmap as more than a tournament calendar. “The 2026 Roadmap is more than a tournament calendar – it’s a structured pathway for Indian gamers to rise from grassroots to the global podium,” he said, adding that it was designed to identify and nurture talent across different regions and give them opportunities to represent India internationally.
The roadmap expands Krafton India’s key esports properties: BGIS (Battlegrounds Mobile India Series), BMPS (Pro Series), BMSD (Showdown), and BMIC (International Cup), with a city-based structure aimed at bringing competitions closer to fans.
Karan Pathak, Associate Director of Esports at Krafton India, said the company’s goal is to build a stronger, more inclusive ecosystem. “We want to give every player, from underdogs to champions, a platform to showcase their skill and represent India on the global stage,” he said.
What the 2026 Esports calendar looks like
The upcoming season will feature four major tournaments across multiple stages:
- BGIS (January–March 2026): Open for all players, this grassroots tournament will serve as the starting point for new aspirants.
- BMPS (May–June 2026): A professional-level league for India’s top teams, with the winner securing a slot at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh (July 2026).
- BMSD (August–October 2026): A LAN event that crowns India’s national champions.
- BMIC (October 2026): The grand international finale, featuring India competing against Korea and Japan in an international LAN event.
In 2025, Krafton’s tournaments collectively offered a prize pool of over ₹4 crore, setting the stage for even larger and more competitive events next year.
India’s esports rise
India’s esports industry has seen explosive growth over the past few years. What started as small online tournaments has now turned into stadium-scale events and global broadcasts. With government recognition, corporate sponsorships, and a growing pool of skilled players, India’s esports scene has evolved from an emerging community into a major force.
Krafton India’s consistent investment and structured approach have played a key role in this transformation. The 2026 roadmap is an attempt to ensure that every player, whether from a metro city or a small town, has a clear path to the international stage.
Krafton’s growing role in India
Headquartered in South Korea, Krafton is known globally for titles like PUBG, Bullet Echo, and Road to Valor: Empires. In India, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) continues to dominate the mobile gaming scene, with over 240 million downloads.
With this roadmap, Krafton India is not only expanding its competitive scene but also acknowledging players who’ve shaped it. The upcoming Krafton India Awards 2026 in Mumbai will aim to recognise those contributions, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Indian esports.