The competitive scene for Honor of Kings, one of the most popular mobile MOBA games, is undergoing a major transformation. Starting with the 2025 esports season, the Global Ban&Pick system will be introduced across all tournaments, including the highly anticipated third season of the Honor of Kings Invitational.
This system aims to enhance the strategic depth and competitiveness of matches, promising an exciting year for players and fans alike.
What Is the Global Ban&Pick System?
The Global Ban&Pick system was first introduced in 2018 by the King Pro League, Honor of Kings’ premier Chinese league. This innovative feature is designed to encourage variety and creativity by ensuring that a single character can only be selected once per match series.
Here’s how it works:
- Bans: Each team has four bans before the match begins, limiting available character options.
- Unique Picks: Characters selected by one team in a match cannot be used by either team for the remainder of the series.
- Ultimate Battle Format: If a best-of-seven series is tied at 3-3, all restrictions are lifted for the decisive match, allowing teams to pick previously banned or selected characters.
This system mirrors League of Legends’ Fearless Draft, which will also debut in Riot Games’ leagues in 2025. However, Honor of Kings remains a pioneer in this area, having successfully used the system in over 8,500 matches since its inception.
Image via Tencent Games.
Major Updates for 2025
Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3
- Location: SM City North EDSA, Manila, Philippines.
- Dates: Begins February 21, 2025.
- Teams: 12 teams competing for a $300,000 (~£244,091) prize pool.
Honor of Kings Open Series
- The grassroots Open Series returns in 2025, giving amateur teams a chance to compete in regional leagues. These leagues can lead to global event qualifications, fostering a stronger esports ecosystem.
- Regions: Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
- Duration: Runs from January to April 2025.
Mid-Season Event
As revealed in October 2024, the esports roadmap includes a mid-season event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, adding another layer of excitement to the year’s competitions.
Image via Tencent Games.
What This Means for Honor of Kings Esports
The introduction of the Global Ban&Pick system underscores Honor of Kings’ commitment to innovation and competitiveness in esports. With a focus on strategy and variety, players and teams will need to adapt and showcase their full skill sets.
The upcoming third season of the Invitational, along with grassroots initiatives and international events, positions 2025 as a landmark year for Honor of Kings.
As noted by James Yang, Senior Director of Level Infinite Global Esports Center, Tencent Games:
“Honor of Kings is the pioneer in the industry to implement the Global Ban&Pick… I can’t wait to see the incredible plays and creativity our players bring to the stage.”
Image via Tencent Games.
Conclusion
From the Global Ban&Pick system to an expanded esports roadmap, Honor of Kings is setting a high standard for mobile esports in 2025. The year is shaping up to be action-packed, with new opportunities for professional and amateur players to shine.
Fans can mark their calendars for the third Honor of Kings Invitational, kicking off on February 21, 2025, in Manila. Stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds!
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