The Philippines has been selected as the host nation for the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3, an exciting development announced by TiMi Studio Group and Level Infinite. This prestigious global tournament is scheduled for February 2025 and marks another milestone for the local esports scene, particularly after the recent establishment of the Philippine Honor of Kings local league.
As the host nation, the Philippines will enjoy three team slots for the tournament, one more than most regions. Indonesia and Malaysia will each have two slots, while other participating regions—Americas, Europe, Middle East/North Africa, Japan/South Korea—will contribute one team apiece. The final team will be determined through the Wildcard tournament, ensuring a diverse roster of competitors.
One of the most anticipated changes in this season’s invitational is the introduction of the global ban pick rule, a feature that has only been implemented in the Honor of Kings China league. This new mechanic prevents teams from selecting heroes used in previous games, elevating the competitive landscape by requiring teams to strategize more dynamically. According to Angelica Neri, Level Infinite’s senior esports manager, this change promises to intensify the excitement, forcing players to carefully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each hero.
The Philippine esports community has already made waves on the global Honor of Kings stage. Filipino teams, including Blacklist International and BOOM Esports, reached the playoffs of the 2024 Honor of Kings Championship, demonstrating their skill and determination. These successes underscore the country’s potential in hosting and competing at high-profile international esports events.
Preparations for the invitational are already underway. Local qualifiers will begin this December, featuring five invited teams: BOOM Esports, Blacklist International, Team Eureka, TNT Alpha, and Team Flash PH. Three additional teams will secure their spots through an open qualifier process, which will use a standard draft and ban system.
With its rich history of hosting international tournaments and its passionate esports fanbase, the Philippines is set to deliver an unforgettable Honor of Kings Season 3 Invitational. The event not only promises thrilling matches but also highlights the country’s growing influence in the global esports arena.
