Honor of Kings adopts global ban&pick format, Phillipines invitational next

Honor of Kings is making headlines in the esports world with major announcements for 2025, following the successful global release that marked its red-letter year in 2024. As the game continues to build momentum worldwide, it’s bringing fresh updates and exciting competitive events to fans across the globe.

One of the standout highlights is the launch of a new invitational series set to debut in the Philippines for the very first time. The event will kick off on February 21st and conclude by March 1st, marking a significant expansion into a key Southeast Asian market. But arguably the most impactful news centers around the adoption of a brand-new ban&pick format for Season Three of the invitational and all future tournaments.

What Exactly Is Ban&Pick?

At first glance, the term "ban&pick" might sound complex, but it's actually quite straightforward. In this format, once a hero is used by a team during a match, that hero becomes unavailable for the rest of the tournament to that same team. This restriction applies only to the team that selected the hero—not their opponents—introducing a dynamic layer of strategy into competitive play.

This change could be a game-changer for professional teams and players who often specialize in a limited pool of heroes. Much like how League of Legends pro Tyler1 has become synonymous with his mastery of Draven, Honor of Kings players may now need to rethink their approach when relying heavily on a few signature picks.

Why Ban&Pick Matters for Competitive Play

The introduction of ban&pick isn’t just a twist—it’s a strategic evolution that enhances gameplay diversity and depth. While not entirely new to the genre, this mechanic has been successfully implemented in titles like League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege, where pre-match bans are common practice. However, Honor of Kings’ version places decision-making power directly in the hands of individual players during matches, emphasizing adaptability and team coordination.

Will a team go all-in on a powerful pick early, risking its unavailability later? Or will they hold back their strongest options for crucial moments? These are the kinds of high-level decisions that make esports thrilling to watch and play. It also opens the door for more creative strategies and underdog victories, which can only help attract new audiences to the growing Honor of Kings competitive scene.