In an electrifying showdown at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Chinese juggernauts AG.AL captured the Honor of Kings World Cup 2025 (KWC) title after a breathtaking 4-3 reverse sweep over TT Global. The victory earned them a whopping $750,000 of the tournament’s $3 million prize pool and solidified their legacy as one of the best teams in the game’s competitive history.
The best-of-seven grand final was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, with AG.AL trailing 1-3 before turning the tides with dominant wins in the final three games. The series finale saw Chen “Zoe” Jiahao rise to the occasion, earning MVP honors for his clutch plays and unwavering composure.
KWC 2025 kicked off on July 15, drawing in the world’s 18 best teams from every major region. The stakes were high and the global fanbase was fully tuned in—both in the stadium and online—as history unfolded.
Fans Have Their Say: AG.AL and YINUO Sweep Popularity Awards
In addition to their championship title, AG.AL was also crowned Fan Favorite Team, with AG.YINUO named Fan Favorite Player, and Mara Aquino winning the Fan Favorite Voice title—further testament to the team’s dominance on and off the battlefield.
What’s Next for Honor of Kings Esports?
KIC 2025 Heads to the Philippines in November
Fans won’t have to wait long for more top-tier Honor of Kings action. The Honor of Kings International Championship (KIC) returns this November 2025, and this time, it’s coming to the Philippines. With a $1 million prize pool, a custom in-game hero skin awaiting the champions, and a massive local crowd expected to turn up, this year’s KIC promises to be the most exciting yet.
The top three teams from KIC 2025 will also qualify for the Challenger Cup in China this December, where regional pride and another shot at glory will be on the line.
Introducing the Nation Clash Tournament – Coming This October
Honor of Kings continues to expand its esports ecosystem with the launch of a brand-new competition: Honor of Kings Nation Clash (KNC). The tournament debuts this October in Malaysia, featuring top-tier squads from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines in a fierce cross-border battle for regional bragging rights.
Regional Pro Leagues Make Their Return
Professional play returns in full force with the second half of the 2025 Regional Professional Leagues, featuring:
- Indonesia King Laga (IKL): Aug 22 – Oct 5
- MY Honor of Kings League (MKL): Sept 5 – Oct 19
- Philippine Kings League (PKL): Aug 29 – Oct 12
- Wildcard Kings Series (WKS): Sept 5 – Sept 7
- Honor of Kings Brazil Championship (CHOKBR): Sept 5 – Sept 28
- Major East League (KME): Sept 11 – Sept 28
- Major West League (KMW): Sept 11 – Sept 28
Winners from IKL, MKL, and PKL will receive special team-themed hero outfits for Flowborn, adding even more incentives for teams to rise through the ranks.
Grassroots to Glory: Open and Campus Series Continue to Shine
The Honor of Kings Open Series Split 4 is now underway, continuing its legacy of offering accessible competitive opportunities. With over 160,000 participants from 100+ countries competing earlier this year, the path to pro is clearer than ever.
Meanwhile, the Honor of Kings Campus Series (KCS) has reached more than 500 universities worldwide, giving students a platform to showcase their skills and build lifelong esports connections. The KCS will continue its global expansion through the end of 2025 with more live and online events.
Building an Esports World Without Borders
“We’ve built an esports ecosystem for players worldwide,” said James Yang, Senior Director of Level Infinite Global Esports Center. “Over 160,000 players have created their own esports stories. In the second half of 2025, we’ll tell these stories even more fiercely, with greater tournaments, lower entry barriers, and more ways for players to make their mark.”
Stay Connected with Honor of Kings Esports:
- Instagram: @hok_global_esports
- Facebook: @HOK Global Esports
- X (Twitter): @HoKEsports
- YouTube: @hokglobalesports
- Twitch: @HOK_Esports
- TikTok: @hokglobalesports
