Honor of Kings to adopt ban&pick format globally, with upcoming Phillipines invitational scheduled

Honor of Kings Unveils Major Esports Plans for 2025

Following its global launch, Honor of Kings is making significant strides in the esports arena. 2024 has been a landmark year, and 2025 promises even more exciting developments. Key announcements include the inaugural Honor of Kings invitational tournament in the Philippines (February 21st - March 1st) and, most notably, the global adoption of a ban-and-pick format for Season Three and all future tournaments.

What is Ban-and-Pick?

Simply put, ban-and-pick means that once a hero is selected by a team in a match, that hero is ineligible for use by that team for the remainder of the tournament. This adds a strategic layer, forcing teams to adapt and consider their hero pool carefully.

The Impact of Ban-and-Pick

This system significantly alters the competitive landscape. Many MOBA players specialize in a limited roster of characters, creating interesting dilemmas. Should a team prioritize a hero known to be effective, even if a teammate has superior mastery of a different character? This new element promises to heighten the strategic depth and excitement of Honor of Kings esports.

A Popular Strategy

While Honor of Kings isn't the first MOBA to employ a ban-and-pick system (games like League of Legends and even Rainbow Six Siege utilize similar mechanics), the implementation here is unique. Unlike pre-tournament bans agreed upon by teams, Honor of Kings places the decision directly in the hands of individual players, emphasizing teamwork and strategic thinking. This change is expected to attract new viewers and increase the overall appeal of Honor of Kings esports competitions.