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

Honor of Kings is making major esports headlines for 2025, following a landmark year in 2024 with its global release. The upcoming year promises exciting updates, including the first-ever Honor of Kings invitational in the Philippines (February 21st - March 1st). Even bigger news is the global adoption of the ban & pick format for Season Three and all future tournaments.

What exactly is ban & pick? Simply put, once a hero is used by a team in a match, that hero is unavailable for the remainder of the tournament for that same team. This adds a strategic layer, as players must consider their hero choices carefully.

This system is a game-changer for MOBA esports. While other games like League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege utilize bans, they're often pre-determined. Honor of Kings' implementation puts the decision directly into the players' hands, emphasizing team coordination and strategic depth. Will players prioritize a hero perfect for the current situation, or stick with their main, even if a teammate is more skilled with it? This element of choice is sure to add a captivating new dimension to Honor of Kings esports, attracting new viewers.