Honor of Kings Philippines is charging into 2026 with momentum, unveiling a packed esports roadmap that includes international competition, national team selection for the Asian Games, and major changes to the local league scene. From global stages to grassroots growth, HoK PH Esports is setting the tone for a high-stakes year.
With Filipino teams locked in for the Kings Invitational League 2026 Season 4 (KIS4), a newly appointed national team coach for the Asian Games, and an expanded Philippine Kings League (PKL), fans and players alike have plenty to look forward to.
Blacklist International and BOOM Esports Represent PH at KIS4
Two of the Philippines’ top Honor of Kings organizations—Blacklist International and BOOM Esports—will carry the national banner at KIS4, the first major Honor of Kings Esports tournament of 2026.
KIS4 runs from January 31 to February 8, 2026, and will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event features elite teams from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Major East League, setting up an intense regional showdown right out of the gate.
Thanks to their high Team Star Value, both Blacklist International and BOOM Esports earned the advantage of selecting teams into their respective groups, a strategic edge heading into the competition.
KIS4 Tournament Format Explained
The eight invited teams will begin with a single-round robin Group Stage, played in best-of-five matches to determine seeding.
From there, the top two teams in each group advance to the Knockout Stage, a single-elimination, best-of-seven bracket where higher-seeded teams can choose their opponents. With long series and tactical depth, KIS4 promises some of the most competitive Honor of Kings action of the season.
Philippine Kings League Spring 2026 Expands to 10 Teams
On the domestic front, the Philippine Kings League (PKL) Spring 2026 is leveling up.
For the first time, the league will expand from eight teams to ten, reflecting the rapid growth of the Honor of Kings competitive scene in the Philippines.
The updated PKL lineup will include:
- Six invited teams
- Four teams qualifying from the HoK Open Series Split 5
The Open Series runs from January 24 to February 1, 2026, giving rising squads a direct path into the country’s premier Honor of Kings league. Official announcements for the invited teams and partner organizations are expected soon via HoK Esports Philippines’ social channels.
SIBOL Names Coach for Asian Games 2026 Honor of Kings Team
The road to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games also took a major step forward this month with the conclusion of the SIBOL National Qualifier.
Three powerhouse teams—BOOM Esports, Blacklist International, and TNT Tropang Alab—battled for the right to represent the Philippines on one of the biggest international esports stages.
In the end, Blacklist International emerged victorious, earning national team honors. As a result, BLCK head coach Gerald “Tgee” Gelacio has been appointed to lead and assemble the Philippine Honor of Kings national team, which will compete later this year in September 2026 at the Asian Games.
A Defining Year for Honor of Kings Philippines
With international tournaments, national representation, and league expansion all converging in early 2026, Honor of Kings Philippines is entering one of its most important chapters yet. The combination of elite competition and broader opportunities for local teams signals a strong future for the HoK esports ecosystem in the country.
Fans can expect nonstop action as Filipino squads chase glory on both regional and global stages throughout the year.
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