KRAFTON India has announced the return of its Rising Star Programme for 2026, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing and strengthening India's esports creator pipeline. Registrations for the program commenced on January 20, 2026, and will remain open until February 20, 2026.
The Rising Star Programme 2026 aims to identify, support, and elevate emerging esports athletes and content creators across the country, providing them with a platform to unlock new opportunities and achieve greater success in their careers. KRAFTON India views the program as a crucial step in the growth of the Indian esports ecosystem, offering young talent a chance to shine on the national stage.
This year's program features a revamped format with a two-tiered structure consisting of "Elite Rising Stars" and "Backup Rising Stars". This structure is designed to provide clear growth paths, linking support to performance and maintaining a pool of talent ready to advance within the program. Elite Rising Stars will receive comprehensive support, including streaming device assistance, room cards, and enhanced performance, visibility, and ecosystem benefits. Backup Rising Stars will receive room card support and will be considered for promotion to the Elite tier based on their performance. Movement between the tiers will be guided by performance benchmarks.
KRAFTON India's focus extends beyond skill development, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being and a balanced lifestyle for esports athletes. The program will provide training in content creation and mental wellness, equipping participants with the tools for a sustainable and successful career in professional esports. KRAFTON India also plans to foster collaborations with local gaming communities, colleges, and established esports organizations to build a robust talent pipeline and promote a culture of esports nationwide.
According to KRAFTON India, the Rising Star Programme is dedicated to elevating the country's esports ecosystem by nurturing and supporting emerging talent, targeting both competitive athletes and content creators. The selected Rising Stars will be announced during BGIS 2026 on KRAFTON India's social media channels and onboarded thereafter.
The initiative adopts a holistic approach to gaming, focusing not only on skill development but also on the mental resilience required for a sustainable career in professional esports. This includes strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and staying focused. KRAFTON India aims to build a scalable pipeline that allows emerging talent to grow sustainably and step up when they're ready, reflecting their long-term vision of strengthening India's esports ecosystem from the ground up.
