KRAFTON India has officially announced a major milestone for the Indian gaming community — the KRAFTON India Awards 2025 presented by iQOO, the first awards IP created by a global gaming publisher exclusively for India. Set to take place in Mumbai on January 9, 2026, the event aims to spotlight the creators, esports athletes, innovators, and storytellers who have shaped India’s rapidly evolving gaming culture.
Designed as an invite-only gala, the ceremony will bring together some of the biggest names in the gaming ecosystem, from top-tier creators and professional esports stars to developers, industry partners, and community leaders. With gaming now emerging as one of India’s strongest cultural touchpoints, the awards represent a historic step toward acknowledging the people driving its momentum.
A Celebration of India’s Gaming Identity
The KRAFTON India Awards 2025 presented by iQOO reflect how deeply gaming has woven itself into India’s identity — not just as entertainment, but as a form of expression, connection, and creativity. With support from presenting partner iQOO and co-powered partner Flipkart, the awards are also a symbol of the growing intersection between gaming, technology, and lifestyle.
The initiative underscores KRAFTON India’s long-term commitment to nurturing India’s gaming ecosystem. Beyond honoring achievements, the awards aim to recognize the grit, innovation, and community-building efforts that have transformed gaming into a cultural movement embraced by millions.
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, highlighted this vision:
“The KRAFTON India Awards are a tribute to the extraordinary community that has made gaming a cultural force in India. This initiative reflects our belief in the potential of Indian talent and our continued commitment to celebrating those shaping the country’s gaming future.”
Echoing this, iQOO India CEO Nipun Marya said:
“Our commitment to delivering powerful gaming experiences goes beyond devices—it extends to nurturing the esports ecosystem. We are excited to partner with KRAFTON for their first-ever esports awards and celebrate the incredible talent driving this industry forward.”
17 Awards Categories Covering Every Corner of Gaming
The awards will honor excellence across five major pillars of India’s gaming landscape:
- Esports
- Influencers (Creators & Streamers)
- Media
- CSR
- KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI)
Categories include:
- Esports Team of the Year
- Esports Player of the Year
- Influencer of the Year
- Rising Creator
- Communications Contributor of the Year
…and many more that recognize both established names and emerging talent.
With performances, creator showcases, esports highlights, and community-driven moments, the event will serve as a tribute to everyone pushing Indian gaming forward.
A New Chapter for Indian Gaming
The inaugural KRAFTON India Awards mark more than a night of celebration — they represent a shared belief in the limitless future of Indian gaming. By honoring the people who have built, inspired, and shaped the industry, KRAFTON aims to fuel the next generation of Indian creators, esports athletes, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
As India’s gaming community continues its rise, the KRAFTON India Awards 2025 stand as a powerful reminder of just how far the ecosystem has come — and how much greater its future can be.
