Good news for PUBG lovers in India as PUBG makers announce to…

Krafton, the makers of PUBG, have announced to organize a franchise-based esports league tournament in India.

In a major opportunity for fans and players of PUBG: Battlegrounds, PUBG: Mobile, and Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) to prove their skills against each other, Krafton, the creator of the popular online multiplayer shooter, has announced to hold a franchise-based esports tournament in India, similar to the Indian Premier League cricket tourney.

What is Krafton’s PUBG esports tournament?

In an official release, Krafton noted that the gaming ecosystem has grown rapidly in India, which currently has over 450 million gamers, and has witnessed a whopping 400% rise in esports viewership over the past three years. “This isn’t just the beginning of another tournament, it’s the foundation of a long-term sporting ecosystem with the potential to rival the world’s most iconic leagues,” it said.

As per the release, the company is currently accepting “expressions of interest” from corporates, public figures, athletes, content creators, and investors, who are interested in owning franchises in the novel esports league. Interested parties have been directed to express their intent by July 4, 2025 (Friday), following which Krafton will share a detailed information deck, Letter of Intent (LOI), and proceed with further discussions regarding the bidding process, it said.

How to enroll as a bidder in franchise auction?

The process for enrolling as a bidder in the auction for acquiring an esports franchise is pretty straightforward. Interested parties must send an email to Krafton with their expression of interest before the July 4 deadline, and and confirm their willingness to participate in the bidding.

In response, they will receive all necessary documentation and details on how to proceed next from Krafton, according to the company.

Notably, PUBG developer Krafton has recently shifted more focus to the Indian gaming market, roping in Indian celebrities, and partnering with top brands like OnePlus, Hyundai, and iQOO. Krafton’s Battlegrounds Mobile India– the Indian version of its PUBG: Battlegrounds battle royale– has become wildly popular in the country, and continues to thrive as a major esports brand with tournaments like BGIS and BMPS offering opportunities and hefty prize money professional players.

In a recent interview with IGN India, Krafton CEO Changhan “CH” Kim revealed that the company planned to increase its total investment in the country will from $170 million to $310 million over the next two years. Addtionally, the company is also expanding its its in-house game development in India, the CEO said.