Tencent Games is taking its esports strategy to a whole new level with the launch of seven regional leagues for Honor of Kings in 2025. Announced by the company, these leagues aim to strengthen the competitive scene by providing structured pathways for local teams to qualify for global tournaments such as the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3, the Kings World Championship at the Esports World Cup, and the Honor of Kings International Championship.
The new leagues cover a diverse range of regions, ensuring that the Honor of Kings competitive ecosystem remains robust and inclusive. Players in Southeast Asia, where the game has long dominated, will be well represented with the Philippines Kings League (PKL), Malaysia Kings League (MKL), and Indonesia Kings Laga (IKL). Meanwhile, the Kings Major East (KME) will cater to fans and teams from Japan, South Korea, MENA, and South Asia, while the Kings Major West (KMW) will focus on the Americas, CIS, Europe, and Türkiye. Additionally, there will be a dedicated Brazil Championship (CHOKBR) and the Wildcard Kings Series (WKS) covering Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Timor Leste, Brunei, Hong Kong-China, and Macau-China.
These regional leagues will be held twice a year, with the first stage launching in April and the second in August. Each league will feature eight to ten teams, offering a competitive platform that allows local talent to shine and eventually secure spots at international events. For example, in the MKL, teams such as Team Secret, Nova Esports, Black Shrew Esports, and Todak are already confirmed, while similar rosters are forming in IKL and PKL with additional slots yet to be filled.
In addition to the regional competitions, the Kings World Cup is set to feature 18 of the best teams from around the globe. The distribution includes teams from the MKL, PKL, and IK (three from each, totaling nine), along with representatives from CHOKBR, KME, KMW, WKS, and other qualifiers like the MENA Qualifier and Asian Champions League. This comprehensive structure not only fuels regional pride but also positions Honor of Kings as a dominant force in global esports.
As Tencent continues to invest in and expand the Honor of Kings ecosystem, the announcement of these leagues marks a significant milestone. With a focus on nurturing local talent and bridging regional competitions with global events, the future of Honor of Kings esports looks brighter—and more competitive—than ever.
