Jonathan Gaming wins 3 awards at Krafton India Awards 2025

Marking a defining moment for India’s rapidly evolving gaming industry, KRAFTON India today hosted the inaugural edition of the KRAFTON India Awards 2025, presented by iQOO, at the JW Marriott in Juhu. The invitation-only ceremony brought together leading video game creators, Esports athletes, commentators, players and ecosystem stakeholders, alongside KRAFTON India executives and senior industry executives and partners. The highlight of the awards night was Jonathan Gaming’s Hat-Trick victory.

Krafton India Awards 2025: Jonathan Gaming wins hat-trick of titles

These awards mark the first time that a global games publisher has instituted a dedicated, local awards platform in India. Designed as more than a one-off celebration, the KRAFTON India Awards presented by iQOO are created to recognize sustained excellence and impact in content creation, competitive esports, community initiatives and game development, honoring the achievements of the past year and reflecting the full breadth of India’s gaming ecosystem.

Commenting on the importance of the initiative, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India, said: “The KRAFTON India Awards reflect our broader commitment to India’s gaming journey. As we look to 2026 and beyond, our goal is to build an inclusive ecosystem that supports creativity, talent and community in gaming, and creates meaningful opportunities for Indian talent to grow and be recognized. This is about strengthening the foundations that will shape the future of gaming in India.”

Presented by iQOO and co-powered by Flipkart, the inaugural edition highlights the growing convergence of gaming, digital culture and commerce. The platform reinforces KRAFTON India’s long-term commitment to creating a credible, inclusive and globally competitive gaming and esports ecosystem, supported by partners who share a vision for growing the digital entertainment economy in India.

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KRAFTON India Awards 2025 Winners

Recognizing pioneers in content creation, competitive esports, community leadership and game development, the inaugural edition honored individuals and teams who have helped shape India’s gaming landscape over the past year.

1. 1. Influencer of the year – Awarded to the creator who consistently delivers engaging content, strong influence, and significant impact within the gaming ecosystem.
   • Winner: Jonathan (Jonathan Amaral)
2. 2. Best Content Creator of the Year (Male) Awarded to the creator who consistently delivers engaging content, strong influence, and significant impact within the gaming ecosystem.
   • Winner: Gulrez Khan)
3. 3. Best Content Creator of the Year (Female) Awarded to the creator who consistently delivers engaging content, strong influence, and significant impact within the gaming ecosystem.
   • Winner: Payal (Payal Dhare)

• 4. Rising Designer of the Year
  • Recognition of an emerging BGMI creator or player who has demonstrated significant growth, originality, and potential within the gaming community.
  • Winner: Adno (Tanishk Singh)
• 5. Fans’ Choice: Favorite Designer of the Year (Male) A 100% fan-voted award for the most popular KOL or content creator of the year.
  • Winner: Jonathan (Jonathan Amaral)
• 6. Fans’ Choice: Favorite Designer of the Year (Female) A 100% fan-voted award for the most popular KOL or content creator of the year.
  • Winner: Payal (Payal Dhare)
• 7. iQOO Esports Team of the Year – Honors a team that has had an incredible year of competitive performance, consistency, and impact in the Esports ecosystem.
• 8. Esports Player of the Year – Most notable professional Esports player with exceptional performance, skills, and influence over the year.
  • Winner: Levi (Mohit Kumavat)
• 9. Best IGL (In-Game Leader) of the year – Awarded to the player who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategy, and decision-making as a leader in the game.
• 10. Esports Rookie Athlete of the Year – Recognizes emerging talent who has shown promise and performance during their first year.
• 11. Esports Commentator of the Year (Hindi) – The most notable caster who brought enthusiasm, clarity and insight to Esports broadcasts.
  • Winner: What (Addy P)
• 12. Esports Commentator of the Year (English) – The most notable caster who brought enthusiasm, clarity and insight to Esports broadcasts.
  • Winner: Netherlands (Sense)
• 13. Esports Host of the Year – The most charismatic, engaging and professional host who has elevated Esports events and broadcasts.
• 14. Fans’ Choice: Favorite Esports Player of the Year – A 100% fan-voted recognition, honoring the most beloved Esports athlete of the year.
  • Winner: Jonathan (Jonathan Amaral)
• 15. Social Impact Initiative of the Year – Recognizes an initiative that leverages gaming to generate meaningful social change, community impact, and positive real-world outcomes.
  • Winner: Pravara Medical Trust
• 16.KIGI Certificate Ceremony – Cohort 1 Teams – Officially recognize and celebrate teams graduating from the first KIGI cohort for their contribution to the gaming ecosystem.
  • Winners:
  • ReDimension Games – Sojourn Past (action-adventure, PC/console).
  • Shura Games – Spice Secrets (mobile puzzle style).
  • Dunali Games – Rookie Tales (tactical deck building RPG).
  • Arjuna Studios – Gangster Carnival (battle royale with an Indian twist
• 17. Communicator of the Year – The Communications Contributor of the Year award recognizes an individual who has played a pivotal role in strengthening industry storytelling, visibility and communications within the gaming ecosystem.

Streamed live on BGMI and YouTube, the KRAFTON India Awards 2025 drew fans across the country into celebration as it unfolded. By combining jury evaluation and fan voting, the awards reflect both industry credibility and community sentiment, highlighting KRAFTON India’s long-term vision to champion talent and strengthen India’s growing gaming ecosystem.