The Honor of Kings Invitational Season 4 (KIS4) has officially wrapped up in Jakarta, setting the tone for the 2026 global Honor of Kings esports season. Malaysia’s NOVA Esports delivered a commanding performance in the Grand Finals, sweeping South Korea’s Nongshim RedForce 4–0 to claim the championship title.
Held at the iconic GBK Basketball Hall, the KIS4 Finals combined elite international competition with a large-scale cultural showcase, further cementing Indonesia’s growing influence on the global esports stage.
NOVA Esports Dominates KIS4 Grand Finals
The spotlight of Honor of Kings Invitational Season 4 shone brightly on NOVA Esports, who showcased tactical precision and mechanical dominance throughout the Grand Finals.
Their 4–0 sweep against Nongshim RedForce left little doubt about their supremacy at KIS4. The team’s clinical execution and map control proved too much for the South Korean contenders to handle.
Standout player Muci was named Finals MVP, recognizing his pivotal role in securing NOVA Esports’ championship victory and establishing the team as early frontrunners for the 2026 competitive season.
With this win, Malaysia sends a strong message to the global Honor of Kings community: they are ready to contend at the highest level in 2026.
HYVE All Star Wins Honor of Kings Women’s Series 3
Beyond the main stage, the Honor of Kings Women’s Series 3 (KWS3) also concluded during the KIS4 event, delivering high-intensity matches and showcasing the depth of talent in women’s esports.
HYVE All Star from the Philippines secured the championship after defeating defending champions AG Global. The victory marks a major milestone for Philippine esports and highlights the continued growth of competitive diversity within the Honor of Kings ecosystem.
The Women’s Series remains a crucial part of the Honor of Kings esports calendar, reinforcing the publisher’s commitment to inclusivity and competitive opportunity.
National Star Challenge: Philippines Triumph Again
The event also featured the National Star Challenge, a Tri-National Showdown that brought together regional influencer teams for a high-energy exhibition competition.
Chanosquad International from the Philippines emerged victorious, adding yet another win for the country during the Jakarta event. The showcase blended entertainment and competition, bridging the gap between community creators and professional esports.
A Festival-Style Finals Experience in Jakarta
The Honor of Kings Invitational Season 4 wasn’t just about competition — it was a full cultural celebration.
Fans in attendance at the GBK Basketball Hall experienced:
- A Wayang-inspired Opening Ceremony celebrating Indonesian heritage
- Live cultural performances
- A headline halftime show by Indonesian music icon Afgan
The festival-style presentation elevated KIS4 beyond a traditional esports tournament, positioning it as a global entertainment spectacle while spotlighting Indonesia’s cultural identity on the world stage.
Major 2026 Global Esports Roadmap Announced
Perhaps the most impactful moment of Honor of Kings Invitational Season 4 came with the announcement of the 2026 global esports roadmap.
Key developments include:
- Expanded grassroots competitions to nurture emerging talent
- The return of Honor of Kings to the Esports World Cup 2026
- Participation in the Esports Nations Cup
- Inclusion as an official medal event at the 20th Asian Games 2026
These announcements signal an ambitious year ahead for Honor of Kings esports, with deeper competitive integration across international and multi-sport events.
The inclusion as a medal event at the 20th Asian Games 2026, in particular, represents a historic milestone — further legitimizing mobile esports within the global sporting landscape.
Honor of Kings Sets the Tone for 2026
With NOVA Esports crowned KIS4 champions, HYVE All Star claiming the Women’s Series title, and a packed roadmap revealed for the year ahead, Honor of Kings Invitational Season 4 has successfully launched the 2026 competitive calendar in spectacular fashion.
From elite gameplay to cultural celebration and major international announcements, KIS4 demonstrated the scale and ambition of Honor of Kings esports as it continues to expand globally.
All eyes now turn to the next major international showdown as teams prepare for a packed and highly competitive 2026 season.
