India is no longer the underdog in esports: Karan Pathak, Krafton India

For a long time, gaming was looked upon as just a hobby in India. People could hardly believe that it is a legitimate career path and considered it more of an indulgence for teenagers and kids. While global markets embraced professional gaming as a legitimate industry, India seemed to lag behind, unsure whether to call it a sport, a hobby, or a distraction. But the tides are finally turning.

With the government recognising online gaming under the IT rules and rolling out frameworks to support the ecosystem, the conversation has shifted from whether esports can thrive in India to how fast it can grow. And nothing symbolised this transformation better than the BGMI International Cup (BMIC), held in India recently. The three-day tournament was a spectacle that saw the country share the stage with top teams from Japan and South Korea.

Among the crowd’s thunderous cheers and the flashing lights of the stage, we caught up with Karan Pathak, Associate Director of Esports at Krafton India. Calm yet deeply passionate, Karan spoke about the industry with the excitement of a player and the precision of a strategist. 

Also read: Krafton India Esports 2026 plan unveiled after BGMI International Cup: All details

The larger-than-life stage at BMIC

The stage for the BMIC was nothing like we have seen before in India. There were containers where each team was sitting, with a huge screen in the middle on which fans could enjoy the live matches. The larger-than-life stage setup truly amazed fans and the media present at the event. 

When asked about the setup and how the idea of it came about, Karan smiled and said, ‘It really came from the tournament itself. We knew we had to do something that had never been seen before. The team put their heads together to create something truly spectacular at such a grand venue. And when it all came together, it just worked beautifully.’

He also recalled a particularly memorable behind-the-scenes moment and shared, ‘When we started putting the containers together, we were all just standing there watching. I remember asking, “Can I walk on it?”. Of course, there were safety harnesses and everything, but when we finally did, it felt real. That was a happy moment for the entire team.’ 

A new generation of talent

India’s presence on the global esports map has been steadily growing. Once considered underdogs, Indian teams are now holding their own against some of the world’s best. ‘The sheer fan following here is humongous,’ Karan noted and added, ‘Indian fans are passionate and welcoming. They cheer for everyone, even the Japanese and Korean teams.’

He also added that the skill gap between Indian and global players has narrowed significantly. ‘Our players have the same gunpower now and have adapted really well to rotations, which used to be a challenge earlier. Looking at the first two games, I’d say even the Korean and Japanese teams, who were favourites, will now have to do something new.’

The fans, the fire, and the frenzy

Anyone who has attended a BGMI event knows that the crowd is as much a part of the spectacle as the players themselves. Talking about the BGMI community and a particular fan moment that took him by surprise, he said, ‘I remember telling Parth, I’ll be there in seven minutes, and fans were already waiting. They’re incredibly respectful but also very emotional. Sure, there’s some toxicity when teams underperform, but the love far outweighs the hate. I’ve been recognised at airports while travelling for official work; people just come up and want to talk about the game. Some players even need security now. That’s how crazy the fan base is.’

Talking about what makes the Indian fanbase different, Karan said, ‘The Indian audience is fast to love and just as quick to move on, so consistency is key. Perform once, and you’ll get noticed. Perform consistently, and you’ll stay loved.’

‘Give us bigger stadiums, and we’ll fill them up’

Karan also said if there’s one thing he could change about Indian esports right now, it would be the scale of its venues. ‘(We need) bigger stadiums. We’ll fill them up easily,’ he said confidently and added, ‘Outdoor events are tricky because of the weather, but give us bigger indoor venues and we’ll pack them to capacity every single time.’

It’s a bold statement, but one that feels entirely believable when you’ve seen the crowds firsthand.

Competition and the future of gaming

While BGMI has maintained its dominance in India’s esports landscape, competition is rising, and that’s something Karan welcomes. ‘Competition keeps us sharp,’ he said. 

‘Look at GodLike and Soul. Their rivalry keeps the scene exciting. When there’s competition, we push harder, innovate more, and come back stronger. This year was about exploring new ideas. Next year, we’re bringing even bigger things.’

India, as we all know, is a mobile-first gaming market. But PC and console games are also gaining traction. And Karan, being a PC gamer himself, is quite optimistic about the future of PC and console gaming in India. ‘The PC gaming community is strong but niche. Mobile dominates because it’s more accessible. But PC gamers are hardcore; they’re the kind of people who’ll end up developing games for you. We’re planning some PC tournaments next year, so stay tuned.’

Breaking the ‘just gaming’ stereotype

Despite the growing excitement, esports in India still faces scepticism from some who dismiss it as mere gaming. Karan believes that mindset comes from a lack of understanding. ‘They’re not wrong, they just don’t fully get it,’ he said. 

‘Real pros treat it like a serious career. They play for focused hours, analyse gameplay, discuss strategy, work with coaches, and maintain their health. Teams like OG wake up at 7:30 AM, train, and eat right. It’s discipline, not timepass. Once people see that level of commitment, they’ll understand this isn’t just gaming, it’s a profession.’

Advice for the next generation

Karan’s message to aspiring esports athletes is simple yet powerful. ‘Don’t just look at the fame, look at the hard work. Take Mortal, Scout, or Jonathan. Everyone knows them now, but no one remembers their first YouTube videos with 50 or 60 views. It takes discipline and consistency. Educate yourself, take courses, join organisations, and grind before you chase the spotlight.’ 

The conversation came to an end with a quick, rapid-fire round. Here are the excerpts:

If you weren’t at Krafton, what job would you want instead?
HR

Favourite BGMI map?
Erangel

One pro player you’d never want to face 1v1?

Jonathan

Go-to drop location in BGMI?
Used to be Yasnaya, but now we just go wherever the event takes us.

Headphones or controller- you can’t live without?
Headphones

One word to describe the BGMI community?
Let’s go!

If you could add one Indian city to BGMI, which would it be and why?
Mumbai. I’m from there, and I’d love to see a map with moving trains and the city’s unique aesthetics.

One word to describe India’s esports scene today?
Unstoppable.

The last game you played that wasn’t BGMI?
Road to Valor: Empires. Played it this morning!

An Indian song that perfectly represents Indian esports?

Chale Chalo.

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