Honor of Kings is making major esports headlines for 2025! Following its global launch, the game is bringing its first-ever invitational tournament to the Philippines, running from February 21st to March 1st. Even bigger news? The adoption of a global ban & pick format for Season Three and all future tournaments.

What exactly is ban & pick? It's simpler than you think. Once a hero is used by a team in a match, that hero is unavailable to that team for the rest of the tournament. This adds a strategic layer, forcing teams to adapt and consider hero availability throughout the competition.

This is a significant change for the game. Many MOBA players specialize in a small roster of heroes, much like League of Legends streamer Tyler1's well-known dedication to Draven. Ban & pick directly impacts this, forcing players to make tough choices between familiar comfort and strategic necessity.

The adoption of ban & pick isn't new to the MOBA genre; games like League of Legends and even Rainbow Six Siege utilize similar systems. However, Honor of Kings' implementation places the decision directly on the individual player, emphasizing team coordination and strategic thinking. This exciting new element is sure to elevate the competitive scene and attract new viewers.