Honor of Kings returns for the 2025 Esports World Cup with a whopping $3 million prize pool

The Esports World Cup 2025 is fast becoming a defining moment for mobile esports, drawing elite competition and record-breaking prize pools to Riyadh this summer. With titles like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang already confirmed, the addition of Honor of Kings to the lineup promises even more high-stakes action on the global stage.

In a landmark three-year collaboration with the Esports World Cup, the Honor of Kings World Cup is back—and bigger than ever. This year’s event features an impressive $3 million prize pool and an expanded competitive structure designed to showcase the best talent from around the globe. A total of 18 teams will compete, including top-tier squads from the King Pro League (KPL) and the Asian Champions League (ACL), alongside rising stars from international qualifiers.

The tournament kicks off on July 15th and runs through July 26th, beginning with a Group Stage featuring 16 teams divided into four double-elimination brackets. The top team from each group earns direct passage to the Playoffs, while second-place finishers get one last shot at qualification through a competitive Last Chance bracket—fighting for the final two Playoff spots.

Matches during the early stages will be contested in best-of-three and best-of-five formats, building momentum toward the Playoffs where reigning champions from the KPL and ACL await. The grand finale will take place on August 16th, played in an intense best-of-seven format, ensuring every point counts. A third-place match will also be held to determine the final podium placements.

Looking to build a winning roster or improve your own gameplay? Check out our comprehensive Honor of Kings tier list, where every hero is ranked by effectiveness and meta relevance to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Regional qualifiers are already underway, with teams from Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East vying for their chance to represent on the world stage. Nations like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia have been making waves, securing their spots throughout May and June.

Ready to jump into the action yourself? Download Honor of Kings now using the link below. It's free-to-play with optional in-app purchases. For more details, visit the official website.