The Honor of Kings Invitational S3 is set to debut in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone for eSports enthusiasts. Scheduled to take place from February 21 to March 1, 2025, this tournament promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with a total prize pool of $300,000 on the line.
Hosted at SM City North EDSA, Manila, the event will witness professional teams from around the globe showcasing their skills through various stages of competition. The schedule features group stages from February 21-24, followed by quarter-finals on February 26-27, semi-finals on February 28, and the grand finale on March 1.
One of the core features of this year’s tournament is the introduction of the global ban and pick system, which is aimed at increasing the excitement and strategy involved in gameplay. This feature, initially implemented by the King Pro League (KPL), has been successfully used over 8,500 matches since its inception and is set to revolutionize the competitive scene by allowing each team to ban and pick heroes strategically.
James Yang, the Senior Director at Tencent Games Level Infinite, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming event. "I am very pleased to announce the details of the Honor of Kings Invitational S3 and Open Series... We look forward to seeing remarkable plays and creativity from players on the stage," Yang stated, highlighting the tournament’s potential impact on the gaming community.
For those aspiring to take part, the Honor of Kings Open Series Split 3 will also be returning, giving amateur players the opportunity to compete. This grassroots initiative removes rank and regional restrictions, allowing anyone passionate about Honor of Kings to make their mark. Successful teams from this series will have the opportunity to secure spots within regional pro leagues and participate on the global stage.
The Open Series will consist of three stages: quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals. Each stage provides pathways for players to rise through the ranks, culminating in the chance to compete against some of the world’s best teams.
Registration for the Open Series will begin on January 24 and run until February 7, 2025. Following this, selected teams will advance from February 8-12, leading to the quarter-finals and finals on February 22 and 23, respectively.
Regions participating include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, among others, ensuring diverse representation at the event. The regional finals for countries like South Korea and Japan will also occur later, extending the reach and competitive nature of the tournament.
With the global ban and pick feature, this year’s Honor of Kings Invitation S3 aims to not only boost the competitive nature of matches but also provide thrilling entertainment for the audience. Players will be pushed to showcase their strategic skills and adaptability as they navigate the uncharted waters of team dynamics and hero selections.
The excitement surrounding this tournament is palpable, as fans eagerly anticipate the intense gameplay and high-energy matches. With millions of players globally, Honor of Kings continues to grow, establishing itself as not just a game, but as part of the larger eSports culture.
The inaugural Honor of Kings Invitational S3 stands to not merely engage players but to inspire future generations of gamers. By enabling participation at all levels, the event aims to unify players under one arena, celebrating their shared passion for gaming. Enthusiasts are invited to watch the matches live and cheer for their favorite teams as they vie for the coveted title and massive prize pool.
Mark your calendars for February 21, as the world of eSports gathers to witness the spirit of competition at this landmark event. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, the Honor of Kings Invitational offers something for everyone—making it truly the tournament of the year.
The stage is set, and the players are ready. Let the games begin!