Mumbai, November 26, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move that signals gaming’s arrival as a mainstream cultural force in India, KRAFTON India has launched the first-ever KRAFTON India Awards 2025 presented by iQOO, marking the first time a global gaming publisher has created a homegrown Indian awards IP. With public voting opening today, this historic celebration puts the spotlight firmly on the creators, esports athletes, and innovators who’ve transformed gaming from a hobby into a thriving ecosystem.

More Than Trophies: A Movement Takes Center Stage

Set for January 9, 2026, in Mumbai, this invite-only gala isn’t just another awards show—it’s recognition that gaming has evolved into what KRAFTON describes as a powerful form of self-expression, entertainment, and community for millions across the nation. From BGMI champions to bedroom streamers building million-strong communities, the awards celebrate every voice driving India’s digital entertainment revolution.

KRAFTON India Awards 2025 At A Glance
Date	January 9, 2026
Venue	Mumbai
Format	Exclusive, invite-only celebration
Presented By	iQOO
Co-Powered By	Flipkart
Voting Opens	November 26, 2025
Categories	17 across 5 pillars
Voting System	Dual model (jury + community)

The Power of Community Recognition

What makes these awards unique? A dual voting mechanism that blends jury-led selection with community-driven voting, creating a balanced recognition system starting November 26. Fans across India can now directly influence who takes home honors like Influencer of the Year, Rising Creator, Esports Team of the Year, Esports Player of the Year, and Communications Contributor of the Year.

The 17 categories span five critical pillars: Esports, Influencers (Creators & Streamers), Media, CSR, and the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI)—ensuring no corner of the gaming ecosystem goes unrecognized.

Industry Leaders Backing India’s Gaming Future

“The KRAFTON India Awards are a tribute to the extraordinary community that has made gaming a cultural force in India,” said Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, emphasizing how this initiative showcases the organization’s commitment to celebrating Indian gaming talent.

Nipun Marya, CEO of iQOO India, added that their partnership extends beyond devices to nurturing the entire esports ecosystem, aiming to empower gamers and contribute to competitive gaming’s continued growth in the country.

The backing from iQOO and Flipkart signals something bigger: gaming now sits at the convergence of technology, lifestyle, and commerce—a digital entertainment powerhouse that’s impossible to ignore.

Beyond the Red Carpet

This isn’t just about handing out trophies on a glitzy stage. The awards are designed as an immersive, high-energy evening featuring performances, creator showcases, esports moments, and community highlights that celebrate not just individual winners but the collective spirit powering India’s gaming evolution.

From top BGMI pros and content creators with millions of followers to student developers building tomorrow’s games and behind-the-scenes innovators who keep tournaments running smoothly, the event promises meaningful connections across the entire gaming community.

Why This Matters Now

In 2025 alone, KRAFTON hosted four major BGMI tournaments, launched new games, toured college campuses with esports initiatives, and introduced the Rising Star program—massive investments that needed a platform to celebrate their impact. These awards bring all those achievements together under one roof.

As gaming continues its meteoric rise in India—fueled by affordable smartphones, lightning-fast internet, and a generation that’s grown up with controllers in hand—initiatives like the KRAFTON India Awards legitimize esports and content creation as viable career paths worthy of national recognition.

With voting now open and the countdown to January 9 underway, one message rings clear: India’s gaming community has arrived, and its best days are still ahead.

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