Home Esports Honor of Kings Philippines Invitational Announced, Adopts Global Ban & Pick Format

Honor of Kings Philippines Invitational Announced, Adopts Global Ban & Pick Format

With over 100 million daily active players worldwide, Honor of Kings has cemented its place as a global esports phenomenon. As 2025 kicks off, the game is set to elevate its competitive scene by adopting the ban & pick format globally. This game-changing approach coincides with the highly anticipated Philippines Invitational, running from February 21st to March 1st.

What Is the Ban & Pick Format?

At its core, the ban & pick format is a strategic layer designed to test player versatility and team dynamics. Here’s how it works:

Hero Lockout: Once a player selects a hero, that hero becomes unavailable for the rest of the tournament for their team.
Player Choice Over Team Consensus: Unlike traditional bans handled at the team level, this format gives individual players the freedom to secure their main picks or prioritize versatile heroes.

Why This Matters for Esports

Many competitive titles, including League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege, have long embraced ban systems. However, Honor of Kings’ twist on the concept emphasizes individual decision-making, making every match a unique showcase of strategy and adaptability.

What It Means for Players

Diversify Your Hero Pool: Relying on a single hero will no longer suffice.
Adaptability is Key: Success will favor players and teams who can adjust their strategies on the fly.
Greater Spectator Engagement: Fans can look forward to dynamic and unpredictable matches, heightening the excitement.

The Philippines Invitational: A Historic First

The upcoming invitational marks the first time Honor of Kings will host a major event in the Philippines, a country with a burgeoning esports community. Key details include:

Dates: February 21st to March 1st, 2025.
Global Teams: Top teams from around the world will compete for supremacy.
High Stakes: A significant prize pool and the prestige of winning the first major tournament under the ban & pick system.

Why the Philippines?

The Philippines has become a hotspot for esports growth, with passionate fans and rising talent. Hosting an invitational here underscores the game’s commitment to expanding its presence in Southeast Asia.

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Honor Of Kings

Sai T.

Sai is a social media manager and senior web content creator who spends his days juggling game research, deadlines, and the usual existential crisis. When he isn’t crafting content that hopefully goes viral, he’s a dedicated single parent doing his best to navigate work life balance. And in the rare moments when free time actually appears, he’s usually found with his two dogs, who are fully convinced they’re the ones in charge.