Tencent is gearing up for a blockbuster start to its 2025 esports calendar with the launch of Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3. Set to take place at SM City North EDSA in Manila, Philippines, this highly anticipated tournament will begin on February 21 and run until March 1. The event marks Tencent’s first official tournament of the year and is expected to showcase some of the best competitive action in the mobile gaming world.
The tournament will feature twelve elite teams from across the globe, each having earned their spot through various regional qualifiers. Teams like Blacklist International, Bigetron Esports, Nova Esports, Team Vitality, Gen.G, and Nongshim Redforce will battle it out on the grand stage. These teams are recognized not only for their skill and dedication but also for their deep connection with fans worldwide. With fierce competition on the horizon, every match will be a critical step towards claiming the coveted title of champion.
The tournament structure is designed to maximize excitement and challenge. It kicks off with a Group Stage running from February 21 to February 24, where teams are divided into four groups of three. Each group will engage in a best-of-five round-robin series. The top two teams from each group will then advance to the Knockout Stage, which will be held from February 26 to February 28 using a single-elimination, best-of-seven format. This structure ensures that only the most resilient and strategic teams make it to the Grand Final on March 1.
One of the standout features of this season is the debut of the Global Ban-pick System. This innovative mechanism adds an extra layer of strategic depth by preventing heroes chosen in one match from being available in subsequent matches. In best-of-seven series, if the score is tied at 3-3, the tournament will shift to an Ultimate Battle format. In this high-pressure scenario, all ban and pick restrictions are lifted, allowing teams a final three-minute window to propose their lineup and common spells. This rule is designed to keep gameplay dynamic and unpredictable, ensuring that every match remains fresh and competitive.
The prize pool for the tournament is set at $300,000, with winnings distributed according to final standings—from $100,000 for the champions down to $10,000 for those placing ninth to twelfth. With such a substantial incentive, teams are expected to bring their A-game, promising electrifying matches and nail-biting finishes.
As Honor of Kings continues to dominate the mobile esports scene, the Invitational Season 3 is poised to be a major highlight of the year, reinforcing Tencent’s commitment to innovation and competitive excellence in gaming.
