Nova Esports clinches first championship at HoK Invitational S3

Nova Esports wins the HoK Invitational S3 title, taking home the $300,000 prize. Learn about their big win and the future of Honour of Kings esports here!
March 5, 2025
CONTENT Sportsadda_ 5 MAR_ Article 3

The Honour of Kings (HoK) Invitational Season 3 ended on March 1 at SM North EDSA in the Philippines, and Nova Esports claimed the title. In a fierce match, Nova Esports defeated Nongshim RedForce to win the top prize from the $300,000 pool. This win is a massive deal for Nova Esports, as it’s their first-ever championship since its formation in 2016.

James Yang, the director of Level Infinite Global Esports Centre, praised the team for their achievement. ‘Congrats to Nova Esports for winning the Honor of Kings Invitational S3. It’s a huge moment for Honor of Kings esports’, he stated.

A new format for more thrills

HoK Invitational S3 also introduced a new format called Global Ban&Pick. First used in the King Pro League (KPL) in 2018, teams can ban or pick heroes before each match. This change makes the game more exciting and shows off the wide range of heroes. This season, the teams used 71 heroes, showing the variety of the game.

This new format makes each match unique, keeping fans and players engaged. It also adds more skill and strategy, as teams have to plan carefully for their picks.

Big plans for the future of Honour of Kings

During the event, Yang also talked about huge plans for 2025. He said that $15 million will be spent to help grow Honour of Kings esports around the world. ‘We are excited to keep building the game and give chances to all players—whether you’re new, a student, or a pro’, Yang said. The goal is to grow esports and give more people a chance to get involved.

The economic impact of KPL and Honour of Kings

The KPL and Honour of Kings esports have impacted the economy, mainly in China. According to reports, the KPL and its whole esports scene have given jobs to over 100,000 people. The 2024 KPL Grand Final in Beijing also brought CNY 303 million in direct perks and CNY 669 million in indirect benefits.

Looking ahead, the 2025 KPL Grand Finals will be held at the Beijing National Stadium. This event is expected to bring more attention and money to Honour of Kings esports. There are also plans for more regional leagues to help build local esports and create new partnerships worldwide.

A bright future for esports

With Nova Esports' victory at the HoK Invitational S3 and the thrilling plans for the future, the world of Honour of Kings esports is looking brighter than ever. The game continues to grow, and new chances are being created for players and fans around the world.

Stay ahead in esports – join the action today!