In a thrilling showdown in Manila, Nova Esports emerged victorious at the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3, defeating Nongshim RedForce in a gripping grand final. This victory not only earned them the championship title but also the lion’s share of the $300,000 prize pool.
James Yang, Senior Director of Level Infinite Global Esports Center, took the stage to unveil the comprehensive 2025 esports roadmap for Honor of Kings. This ambitious plan includes a $15 million investment aimed at expanding the ecosystem globally. The roadmap features seven new Regional Professional Leagues, the introduction of the Honor of Kings Campus Series, and details on upcoming global tournaments and grassroots competitions.
Yang highlighted the significance of the new Global Ban & Pick system, stating, “The Global Ban & Pick system isn’t just about selecting heroes but strategies, too”. This format, which has been a staple in KPL since 2018, enhances the excitement and variety of each match. During Season 3, 71 different heroes were played, showcasing the depth and strategy involved in the game.
The new Regional Professional Leagues—PKL, MKL, IKL, WKS, KME, and KMW—will join the existing KPL (King Pro League in China) and CHOKBR (Honor of Kings Brazil Championship). These additions will significantly expand the global reach of Honor of Kings esports, fostering local esports industries worldwide.
The KPL has already made a substantial economic impact in China, creating over 100,000 jobs and generating significant economic benefits. The 2024 KPL Grand Final in Beijing alone brought in 303 million RMB in direct economic benefits and 669 million RMB indirectly. The 2025 Grand Finals will be held at the iconic Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest.
Two major global tournaments, the Honor of Kings World Cup (KWC) and the Honor of Kings International Championship (KIC), will return in 2025. The KWC will take place in July in Riyadh, marking a historic moment as global teams face off against the KPL Spring Season champion for the first time. The KIC will follow in November, continuing to showcase the pinnacle of competitive play.
The Honor of Kings Open Series, which saw over 150,000 players from around the world sign up for Split 3, will return for Split 4 this summer. This series is open to players of all ranks, emphasizing inclusivity and providing a platform for all to compete. Additionally, the new Honor of Kings Campus Series will support grassroots tournaments in 92 countries and regions, with a global prize pool of $100,000, offering university students more opportunities to engage in esports.
James Yang expressed his excitement about the future of Honor of Kings esports, congratulating Nova Esports on their victory and highlighting the growth and potential of the ecosystem. “Congratulations to Nova Esports on winning the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3. What a historic moment to showcase the excitement and growth of Honor of Kings esports,” Yang said. “We are also so excited to reveal our plans for the rest of 2025 and beyond, as we continue to build Honor of Kings into a truly global ecosystem. Whether you’re a casual player, university player or professional player we want to provide opportunities for all. Stay tuned, there’s plenty more exciting news on the horizon”.
