The global stage is set for one of mobile gaming’s most anticipated esports events of the year. The Honor of Kings World Cup (KWC) 2025 kicks off on July 15 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together the world’s top teams to compete for a $3 million prize pool. Hosted as part of the larger Esports World Cup 2025, the tournament reflects both the rising international profile of the mobile MOBA and the growing significance of Riyadh as a hub for global esports competition.
Sixteen professional teams will compete through a group stage, double-elimination battles, and a high-stakes playoff bracket culminating in a best-of-seven Grand Final on July 26. In a notable first, two KPL (King Pro League) teams have earned direct invitations: AG.AL and TT Global, raising the level of competition and anticipation for high-impact matchups.
The tournament will once again utilize the Global Ban&Pick system, a format introduced in 2025 that adds strategic complexity and unpredictability to hero selection. This format has already produced memorable moments in regional play and is expected to heighten the competitive intensity during KWC 2025.
Tournament Overview:
- Group Stage (July 15–19): 16 teams split into four groups, with double-elimination matches in best-of-3 format.
- Group Kings & Last Chance (July 20): Determines the final eight teams for the playoffs.
- Playoffs (July 23–26): Single-elimination bracket including top group stage teams and KPL invites. Grand Finals will feature the “Ultimate Battle” draft format.
Participating Teams include regional powerhouses such as Blacklist International, Gen.G Esports, Team Vitality, Nova Esports, and OG Esports—each bringing its own roster of standout players. Ten competitors have been highlighted as players to watch, including BLCK.Juschie of Blacklist International and BOOM.Karlll from BOOM Esports, both known for their dynamic jungle playstyles.
Alongside the tournament, Honor of Kings is launching several in-game events aimed at engaging its global player base. From June 24 to August 28, players can participate in the first-ever esports-themed Honor Pass, unlocking rewards such as the Nuwa–Syzygy Moonlight skin at Level 1 and the exclusive Alessio KWC skin at Level 80. Additional activities include team support votes and prediction quizzes, allowing fans to connect with the tournament experience directly from within the game.
The KWC 2025 represents another milestone for Honor of Kings, which continues to expand its international reach. Developed by TiMi Studio Group and published under Level Infinite, the title has long dominated the mobile MOBA space, with over 100 million daily players and a strong esports foundation. The game’s blend of strategic gameplay and stylized character design, along with high-profile collaborations with composers like Hans Zimmer and Joe Hisaishi, has helped establish a loyal global audience.
With the action set in Riyadh and streamed to fans worldwide, the Honor of Kings World Cup 2025 is not only a major esports event—it’s a statement of how mobile-first competitive gaming is reshaping the landscape of global sports entertainment.
For match schedules, live streams, and updates, fans can follow Honor of Kings Esports on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok via @hokglobalesports.
