KRAFTON India unveils first cohort of BGMI Rising Stars 2025, to empower next generation of Indian talent

KRAFTON India Esports unveiled the inaugural BGMI Rising Stars 2025 program at the BGIS Grand LAN Finals in Kolkata. They picked 8 young esports talents, including Saumya Raj and Samihan Kulkarni, with a vision to shape the future of Indian gaming.

Kolkata: In a landmark moment for Indian esports, KRAFTON India Esports on 25 April unveiled the inaugural cohort of BGMI Rising Stars 2025 program, a flagship initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of gaming icons in the country. The announcement was made during the opening day of the BGIS Grand LAN Finals 2025 in Kolkata, one of the grandest stages in Indian competitive gaming, where 16 of the nation’s best teams are battling it out for a staggering ₹3.2 crore prize pool.

The BGMI Rising Stars program is more than just a talent showcase, it’s a comprehensive development platform, designed for young esports athletes to grow, evolve, and establish themselves as mainstream gaming personalities. The eight selected athletes represent not only gaming excellence but also the potential to inspire a new wave of aspiring gamers across India.

Notably, among the eight, Saumya Raj and Samihan Kulkarni, achieved a remarkable feat by not only being named Rising Stars but also qualifying for the BGIS Grand Finals. Their journey underscores the rising tide of young talent that is already beginning to shape the competitive landscape.

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