Introduction
On January 9, 2026, KRAFTON hosted a spectacular awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). The event marked another major milestone in India’s rapidly growing esports ecosystem. The awards recognized the top players, teams, creators, and contributors who played a key role in building BGMI’s success throughout the year.
The event was made even more special by the official partnership with iQOO, a renowned brand for supporting mobile gaming and esports in India.
About KRAFTON and BGMI
- KRAFTON is a global gaming company known for creating high-quality games.
- BGMI is the Indian version of PUBG Mobile, specifically designed to comply with Indian regulations.
- Since its relaunch, BGMI has become one of the most popular mobile esports titles in India.
- The game has helped create opportunities for professional gamers, streamers, and esports organizations.
Purpose of the KRAFTON Awards 2026
- To recognize outstanding performances in BGMI esports
- To honor consistent dedication of players and teams
- To appreciate content creators and community leaders
- To motivate young talent to pursue esports responsibly
- To strengthen the overall BGMI ecosystem in India
Role of iQOO as the Official Partner
iQOO played a crucial role as the official smartphone and esports partner for the event.
Key Contributions by iQOO:
- Supported high-performance mobile gaming initiatives
- Promoted competitive gaming among youth
- Provided devices optimized for BGMI esports
- Encouraged innovation in mobile gaming technology
The partnership highlighted iQOO’s commitment to esports and its alignment with BGMI’s competitive spirit.
Event Highlights of 9 January 2026
The award ceremony was filled with exciting moments and celebrations.
Major Highlights:
- Live audience including players, creators, and esports professionals
- Digital streaming for fans across India
- Trophy presentations and prize announcements
- Emotional acceptance speeches by winners
- Special segments celebrating BGMI’s journey
The event successfully connected the gaming community with industry leaders.
Award Categories
The KRAFTON Awards featured multiple categories to ensure fair recognition.
Player-Focused Awards:
- Best BGMI Player of the Year
- Most Valuable Player (MVP)
- Best In-Game Leader (IGL)
- Rising Star of the Year
Team-Focused Awards:
- Best BGMI Team of the Year
- Best Tournament Performance
- Most Consistent Team
Creator & Community Awards:
- Best BGMI Content Creator
- Best Streamer of the Year
- Community Choice Award
Recognition of Esports Athletes
The awards emphasized that esports players are athletes who:
- Practice for long hours
- Maintain discipline and strategy
- Work as a team under pressure
- Represent India on global platforms
This recognition helped normalize esports as a legitimate career path.
Impact on the Indian Esports Scene
The KRAFTON Awards 2026 had a strong positive impact.
Key Impacts:
- Increased visibility for esports careers
- Encouraged parental acceptance of gaming as a profession
- Boosted sponsorship and investment interest
- Motivated young players to improve skills responsibly
Such events help shape a sustainable esports future in India.
BGMI Community Appreciation
KRAFTON also acknowledged the BGMI community, including:
- Fans who supported tournaments
- Organizers and shoutcasters
- Analysts and production teams
- Grassroots esports organizers
The awards showed that BGMI’s success is a collective effort.
Technology and Innovation
With iQOO’s involvement, the event highlighted the importance of technology in esports:
- Smooth gameplay and high frame rates
- Low-latency devices for competitive play
- Advanced cooling systems for long matches
- Optimized gaming software
This focus on innovation benefits both casual and professional gamers.
Responsible Gaming Message
A key theme of the event was responsible gaming.
Messages Shared:
- Balance gaming with education and health
- Play within time limits
- Respect opponents and teammates
- Follow fair-play policies
KRAFTON reinforced that gaming should be enjoyable and positive.
Inspiration for Young Gamers
For young BGMI players, the awards served as inspiration:
- Showed that hard work leads to recognition
- Highlighted real success stories
- Encouraged skill development and teamwork
- Promoted positive role models in gaming
The event proved that dreams in esports are achievable with dedication.
Media and Social Media Buzz
The awards generated massive engagement:
- Trending hashtags on social media
- Live reactions from fans
- Creator collaborations and interviews
- Highlights shared across platforms
This digital buzz expanded BGMI’s reach even further.
Future of BGMI After the Awards
Post-event announcements hinted at:
- More official tournaments
- Enhanced esports infrastructure
- New partnerships and innovations
- Continued support for Indian talent
The future of BGMI esports looks stronger than ever.
Conclusion
The KRAFTON Awards on 9 January 2026, in partnership with iQOO, was a landmark event for BGMI and Indian esports. It celebrated talent, rewarded dedication, and inspired millions of gamers across the country.
By combining competitive excellence, community appreciation, and responsible gaming values, the event set a new benchmark for esports recognition in India.
