The BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers kicked off today, January 8, 2026, providing thousands of teams with their first chance to compete for a spot in India's biggest BGMI tournament.
The BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers represent the opening gateway to the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2026, India's most prestigious BGMI event. Running from January 8 to 14, 2026, this stage will determine which teams advance to Round 1, with only the top 1,016 squads earning a spot in the next phase. With a total prize pool estimated to reach ₹4 crore (including the Discovery Island contributions), the stakes have never been higher for aspiring pros across the country.
BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers Format and Match Requirements
Each registered team must complete 15 Classic matches during the qualifier period, played exclusively on the Erangel and Miramar maps. However, only the best 10 out of 15 matches will count toward the final standings, allowing teams to discard their five weakest performances.
This format rewards consistency and strategic planning, as teams must balance aggressive playstyles with smart survival tactics to maximize points across multiple games.
Key Gameplay Rules:
- All matches must be played in Third Person Perspective (TPP) mode using Ranked Classic.
- Only the four registered main players can participate in each match, using substitutes will invalidate the entire game.
- Teams must use mobile phones only; emulators, controllers, or other peripherals are strictly banned.
- In-game names must follow the TEAMNAMEPLAYERNAME format without offensive language.
Matches played in FPP, unranked modes, or any themed game modes will not count toward qualification.
BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers Points System Breakdown
The BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers use a 10-point placement system combined with elimination bonuses. Here's how it works:
- 1st Place (Chicken Dinner): 10 points
- 2nd Place: 6 points
- 3rd Place: 5 points
- 4th Place: 4 points
- 5th Place: 3 points
- 6th Place: 2 points
- 7th-8th Place: 1 point each
- 9th-16th Place: 0 points
Additionally, each elimination earns 1 point.
In case of ties, the tiebreaker hierarchy follows:
- Total number of top finishes
- Survival time
- Accuracy
- Overall performance metrics
Recording and Submission Rules
To ensure fair play, teams are required to record both in-game footage and handcam POVs using their device's built-in screen recorder. These recordings must be uploaded to unlisted YouTube links or open Google Drive folders within 8 hours of match completion.
Failure to submit recordings on time results in a 2-point deduction per match, which can be the difference between qualification and elimination.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers, players must meet strict criteria:
- Indian citizenship with a valid government ID
- Minimum age of 16 years (parental consent required for under-18 players)
- Account Level 30+
- Minimum rank of Platinum I
- Rosters are locked post-registration (closed January 4, 2026) and cannot be changed
- Maximum of 5 players per team, including one optional substitute
- Players cannot be registered with multiple teams
Prohibited sponsors include gambling platforms, cheat providers, and competitors of Krafton.
Now, while the In-Game Qualifiers will not be broadcast live, the results will determine which teams advance to Round 1 starting January 26, 2026. Meanwhile, the Grind, a separate qualifier for 64 invited teams, will run from January 17 to February 1, 2026.
The entire BGIS 2026 tournament will span 10 stages, with the first nine held online and the Grand Finals scheduled as an offline LAN event from March 27 to 29, 2026.
For the thousands of underdog teams across India, today marks the beginning of a journey that could lead to national glory and life-changing opportunities.