Mobile MOBA game Honor of Kings has carved a unique niche in the esports arena. After establishing its dominance in Chinese esports over a decade, the game expanded globally in 2024, setting the stage for a new international ecosystem.
Honor of Kings’ Rapid Esports Expansion
The King Pro League (KPL) in China is a testament to Honor of Kings’ immense popularity, drawing crowds that can fill 62,000 seats. However, as the game pushes beyond China’s borders, its global esports scene is still emerging. Reports suggest that $15 million was invested in 2025 to quicken the development of its competitive structure. This included the creation of professional leagues in regions like the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and several others. Despite these efforts, the gap between China’s well-established scene and the nascent international markets remains apparent.
Fixing the Skill Gap
An exploration of Honor of Kings’ global approach highlights the intense focus on bridging the existing skill gap. The ‘Power-Up Program’ is a free training initiative aimed at enhancing skills across the esports spectrum, from game tactics to team management. The program welcomed 150 participants in its Spring edition and is set to return in 2026. Additionally, a bootcamp is planned to further develop global teams with insights from China’s KPL coaches. The ‘China Coach Initiative’ further incentivizes Chinese coaches to work with international teams, offering rewards to foster growth.
Honor of Kings’ Head Start
Honor of Kings benefits from a unique advantage with its pre-existing international version, Arena of Valor, launched in 2017. This established player base provides a potential pipeline for transitioning players. Moreover, leveraging the KPL’s extensive experience allows the global ecosystem to adapt successful strategies to diverse markets. The game’s international ambitions are clear, aiming for non-KPL teams to compete at the highest levels within a decade. The 2025 International Championship will test the game’s global reach, with events streaming across various platforms. Ultimately, as mobile gaming grows, Honor of Kings aims to solidify its place on the global stage.