Nova Esports has officially cemented its dominance in Honor of Kings, clinching the Invitational Season 3 championship after dismantling Nongshim RedForce in a nail-biting grand final live in Manila. The victory secures them the biggest slice of the US$300,000 prize pool—because nothing says “GG well played” like a fat paycheck.

But the fireworks didn’t stop there. James Yang, Senior Director at Level Infinite Global Esports Center, took the stage to unveil a monstrous US$15 million investment into Honor of Kings esports, alongside the full 2025 roadmap. The message was clear: HoK isn’t just playing for fun; it’s going global.

More Regions, More Rivals

A key highlight? The addition of six brand-new regional professional leagues—PKL, MKL, IKL, WKS, KME, and KMW—joining China’s King Pro League (KPL) and Brazil’s CHOKBR. This expansion means more regions will now have their own pathways to pro play, making Honor of Kings a true worldwide battleground.

Speaking of the KPL, it’s more than just a league—it’s an economic powerhouse. According to reports, the KPL ecosystem in China has already generated over 100,000 jobs and raked in serious cash. The KPL 2024 Grand Final alone injected 303 million RMB in direct economic benefits, plus another 669 million RMB in indirect gains. Next year’s Grand Final will take things up a notch, landing at Beijing’s iconic Bird’s Nest stadium—because nothing says esports like a venue that once hosted the Olympics.

The Big Guns Return: KWC & KIC

If regional leagues weren’t enough, the two biggest global tournaments—Honor of Kings World Cup (KWC) and Honor of Kings International Championship (KIC)—are making a comeback. KWC kicks off in July at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, where, for the first time ever, international teams will go head-to-head with the KPL Spring champions. Meanwhile, KIC will take the stage in November, promising another high-stakes showdown.

Open for All: Grassroots & Campus Series

Not everyone’s gunning for the big leagues, and Honor of Kings knows it. The HoK Open Series, which welcomes players of all ranks, saw over 150,000 participants in its last split. It’ll return in Split 4 with even more chances for aspiring pros to make a name for themselves.

For university students, the all-new Campus Series is rolling out in 92 countries, featuring a US$100,000 prize pool. Whether you’re skipping lectures or grinding ranked matches between assignments, there’s now an official excuse to call it “career preparation.”

A Game-Changer: Global Ban & Pick

Back on the main stage, Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3 became the first global tournament to implement the Global Ban & Pick format. Originally pioneered by the KPL in 2018, this rule forces teams to strategise beyond their comfort picks, showcasing the game’s deep roster of heroes. Across S3, 71 different heroes were played, ensuring no two matches looked the same.

As James Yang put it:

“Congratulations to Nova Esports on their championship win! This marks another historic milestone in the growth of Honor of Kings esports. We’re just getting started—2025 will be bigger, better, and truly global. Whether you’re a casual, university, or pro player, we’re building an ecosystem for everyone. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come.”

With millions on the line, a global expansion in motion, and some of the best teams in the world ready to battle it out, Honor of Kings isn’t just another mobile MOBA—it’s shaping up to be a true esports juggernaut.