The world of Honor of Kings just had one of its most thrilling championship moments yet—and soon, the spotlight will shift to the Philippines. AG.AL pulled off a massive comeback win against TT Global at the Honor of Kings World Cup (KWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, taking home the title and the lion’s share of the $3 million prize pool. The stage is now set for the next big chapter: the Honor of Kings International Championship (KIC), which heads to Manila this November with $1 million up for grabs and a chance to be immortalized in-game.
AG.AL’s Historic Win
AG.AL’s journey at KWC 2025 was one for the books. After falling behind 1-3 in the best-of-seven grand finals, they rallied back to win three straight games in a dramatic reverse sweep that stunned the arena and fans watching around the world. Chen “Zoe” Jiahao led the charge and earned the MVP award for his performance throughout the series.
The victory not only gave AG.AL the championship title and $750,000 in winnings, but also solidified their legacy as one of the top Honor of Kings teams globally. On top of the trophy, AG.AL was also voted Fan Favorite Team, while AG.YINUO was named Fan Favorite Player. Filipino esports host Mara Aquino took home Fan Favorite Voice, a big nod to her growing presence in the international scene.
What’s Next: Honor of Kings Esports in the Second Half of 2025
After a blockbuster first half of the year, Level Infinite is doubling down. According to James Yang, Senior Director of the Level Infinite Global Esports Center, over 160,000 players have participated in Honor of Kings esports events this year—and the second half promises even more.
Here’s what to expect next.
KIC 2025: Philippines Takes Center Stage
Manila will host this year’s Honor of Kings International Championship in November. The tournament brings together the world’s top teams to compete for a $1 million prize pool. The eventual champion will not only walk away with prestige and prize money, but will also be honored with a dedicated in-game hero skin—an exclusive reward that cements their legacy within the game itself.
The Top 3 finishers from KIC will also qualify for the Challenger Cup in China this December, carrying their regional pride to an even bigger global platform.
Nation Clash: SEA Rivalries Heat Up in Malaysia
October will see a new tournament format introduced: the Honor of Kings Nation Clash. Top players from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines will gather in Malaysia to battle it out in a regional showdown that spotlights the emerging SEA esports scene.
Regional Leagues and the Road to Pro
The Regional Professional Leagues return for a second season, giving aspiring pros a path to compete for exclusive team-themed cosmetics and a shot at the spotlight. Key events include:
- Indonesia King Laga (IKL): August 22 – October 5
- MY Honor of Kings League (MKL): September 5 – October 19
- Philippine Kings League (PKL): August 29 – October 12
- Wildcard Kings Series (WKS): September 5 – September 7
- Honor of Kings Brazil Championship (CHOKBR): September 5 – September 28
- Major East League (KME): September 11 – September 28
- Major West League (KMW): September 11 – September 28
Growing from the Ground Up: Open Series and Campus Series
The Open Series has seen explosive growth, with over 160,000 players from 100+ countries joining its tournaments in 2025. Teams like Twisted Minds climbed from the Open Series all the way to KWC, placing fourth overall. Split 4 of the Open Series is now live, with a more accessible format and fewer entry barriers to encourage new talent.
Meanwhile, the Campus Series continues to grow, bringing competitive esports to over 500 schools worldwide. More tournaments are scheduled for the rest of the year, including both in-person and online events aimed at building the next generation of pro players.
The Philippines is Now on the Map
With KIC 2025 set to happen in Manila, it’s a landmark moment for both the Honor of Kings community and the local esports scene. From student players in campus leagues to full-fledged pros battling in international arenas, the Philippines is stepping into the spotlight in a major way.
Stay tuned for updates as more details about KIC 2025 and other upcoming tournaments drop in the coming weeks. The road to esports greatness is getting wider—and the next champion could come from right here.
Read More:
BTK Enters the Arena: North America’s Best Joins the Honor of Kings Esports Scene – VRSUS
BLEACH Enters Honor of Kings with New Skins, Game Mode, and a Fully Themed Collab Event – VRSUS
Mara Aquino’s Voice Is Now in Honor of Kings and Honestly, It Just Feels Right – VRSUS
