In a significant move to expand its global and regional footprint, the popular mobile game Honor of Kings has allocated US$15 million for its 2024 roadmap. This investment will support the game’s growth from grassroots levels to amateur and professional stages.

Honor of Kings recently concluded the HoK Invitational Season 2, where Malaysia’s LGD Gaming made a stunning comeback to defeat Team Secret in a reverse sweep, claiming the championship title.

Following this victory, LGD Gaming, along with 11 other teams, will compete in the ongoing Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event boasts a US$3 million prize pool, with the winning team set to receive US$1 million.

On a regional level, Honor of Kings will host 14 Open Series Split 2 qualifiers from July to September across Southeast Asia, the Americas, the Pacific, and EMEA regions. These qualifiers will lead to the Invitational Championship scheduled for October.

The year will culminate with the SEA Championship in December, where top regional teams will compete. This follows the global launch of Honor of Kings on 20 June, previously exclusive to China.

James Yang, Senior Director of Global Esports Center at Level Infinite, emphasized the rapid pace of expansion:

“We are moving much faster than usual. Even in the first year of our global launch, we are organizing global events and pro championships.”

The global launch has been well-received, particularly in local communities eager for more esports opportunities. LGD Gaming Malaysia, alongside other top teams from the Invitational, will prepare for the Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason | Esports World Cup, competing for a share of the US$3 million prize pool. Additional qualifying and invited teams include Team Falcons from Saudi Arabia and Weibo Gaming Malaysia.

The Honor of Kings Invitational Season 2 was part of the game’s Global Invitational Series, reinforcing its US$15 million commitment to growing the international esports ecosystem. The Honor of Kings Open Series, a path-to-pro circuit, has also been introduced, with Split 2 registration from 8-19 July and regional finals in September.

In December, the Honor of Kings Southeast Asia Championship will further invest in the regional esports ecosystem, with more details to be announced.

James Yang congratulated LGD Gaming Malaysia on their Invitational victory and expressed excitement for the upcoming Esports World Cup:

“The Esports World Cup is set to be the biggest esports event ever, and we’re proud to bring the world’s most-played MOBA to the event for our fans around the world.”

In an intense Best of 5 final, LGD Gaming Malaysia overcame a 0-2 deficit to win three consecutive matches, demonstrating exceptional skill and teamwork. The event at Sunway Velocity Mall, powered by Esports World Cup and supported by Infinix GT 20 Pro as the official gaming device, attracted a large audience and heightened the competitive experience.