The Honor of Kings World Cup 2025: An Epic Esports Showdown in Riyadh
The Honor of Kings World Cup 2025 is set to take center stage from July 15 to 26 at the iconic Boulevard Riyadh City, 5v5 Arena in Saudi Arabia. This prestigious esports tournament will feature 18 elite teams from around the globe competing for a staggering $3 million prize pool, making it one of the most lucrative mobile gaming events of the year. As part of the larger Esports World Cup 2025, the Honor of Kings World Cup promises thrilling competition, innovative gameplay, and a celebration of the rapidly growing esports community.
What Is Honor of Kings World Cup 2025?
Honor of Kings (HoK) is a globally popular mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by TiMi Studios. The 2025 World Cup marks a significant milestone as the first midseason international tournament under the Honor of Kings banner, reviving the World Cup format since the cancellation of the 2022 AWC.
The tournament brings together the best teams from regional qualifiers and direct invites, showcasing top-tier esports talent. The event is a highlight of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, which features 25 tournaments across 24 games and boasts the largest prize pool in esports history.
Participating Teams and Qualification
A total of 18 teams will battle for the championship title. Two teams—All Gamers Global (AG.AL), the KPL Spring champions, and ThunderTalk Global (TT Global), the ACL champions—have earned direct entry into the Playoffs stage. The remaining 16 teams qualified through regional competitions and will begin their journey in the Group Stage.
Notable participating teams include:
- Alpha7 Esports
- Dominator Esports
- Team Vitality
- Blacklist International
- BOOM Esports
- Gen.G Esports
- Paws Gaming
- Nova Esports
- Twisted Minds
- OG Esports
Tournament Format and Schedule
The tournament unfolds in four key phases:
| Phase | Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | July 15 – 19 | 16 teams divided into 4 groups compete in a GSL format (best-of-three matches). Top teams advance directly to Group Kings and Playoffs. Second-placed teams enter the Last Chance round. |
| Last Chance | July 20 – 21 | Second-place teams from the Group Stage compete for remaining Playoff spots. |
| Group Kings | July 22 – 23 | Top teams battle for seeding and Playoff qualification. |
| Playoffs | July 24 – 26 | Best-of-seven series determine the champion, with special Ultimate Battle rules in game 7. |
The tournament features a Global Ban/Pick rule during all matches, ensuring strategic diversity by limiting champion selection to one per series. The Playoffs introduce an Ultimate Battle rule for decisive final games, where teams submit blind drafts, adding an exciting layer of unpredictability.
Prize Pool Distribution
The $3 million total prize pool is distributed among all participating teams, rewarding performance throughout the tournament:
| Position | Prize Money (USD) | Percentage of Total Pool |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | $750,000 | 25% |
| 2nd Place | $460,000 | 15.3% |
| 3rd Place | $310,000 | 10.3% |
| 4th Place | $200,000 | 6.7% |
| 5th – 8th Place | $130,000 each | 4.3% each |
| 9th – 10th Place | $100,000 each | 3.3% each |
| 11th – 14th Place | $80,000 each | 2.7% each |
| 15th – 18th Place | $60,000 each | 2% each |
Even teams finishing last receive a substantial reward, underscoring the tournament’s commitment to supporting competitive esports.
Special Features and Fan Engagement
The 2025 World Cup introduces Flowborn, a new tank hero designed exclusively for the event, adding fresh gameplay dynamics. Fans can participate through the Honor Pass, an esports tournament-themed Battle Pass available from June 24 to August 28, which includes exclusive rewards like the commemorative Alessio – Heavenpulse skin.
Interactive features such as team support voting and match prediction quizzes will engage viewers throughout the tournament, enhancing the fan experience both online and onsite.
Why Riyadh Is the Perfect Host for Honor of Kings World Cup 2025
Riyadh has rapidly emerged as a global esports hub, hosting major international tournaments and investing heavily in gaming infrastructure. The Boulevard Riyadh City venue offers state-of-the-art facilities, capable of accommodating thousands of live spectators and millions of online viewers worldwide.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes digital entertainment and esports as key sectors for economic diversification, making the Honor of Kings World Cup a flagship event that aligns with national priorities.
FAQs
Q1: When and where is the Honor of Kings World Cup 2025 taking place?
A1: The tournament runs from July 15 to 26, 2025, at Boulevard Riyadh City, 5v5 Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Q2: How many teams are participating?
A2: A total of 18 teams from around the world will compete.
Q3: What is the total prize pool?
A3: The prize pool is $3 million, with $750,000 awarded to the champion.
Q4: What format does the tournament follow?
A4: The competition includes a Group Stage, Last Chance round, Group Kings, and Playoffs with a mix of best-of-three and best-of-seven matches.
Q5: Are there any new heroes or special features in the tournament?
A5: Yes, the new hero Flowborn (Tank) debuts at the event, alongside a special esports-themed Honor Pass.
Conclusion
The Honor of Kings World Cup 2025 in Riyadh is set to be a landmark event in the world of mobile esports. With top teams battling for a massive prize pool, innovative gameplay features, and a vibrant fan experience, this tournament highlights the growing significance of esports in Saudi Arabia and globally. From July 15 to 26, esports enthusiasts worldwide will witness intense competition and celebrate the future of mobile gaming.
Stay tuned to official channels for live updates, match schedules, and exclusive content from the Honor of Kings World Cup 2025.
