Honor of Kings World Cup Reveals China's Dominance and Emerging Contenders

China has long been the dominant force in Honor of Kings, a game deeply rooted in its culture and developed by Tencent. The Honor of Kings World Cup, held as part of the Esports World Cup, reinforced this dominance, but it also highlighted the growing strength of other regions, particularly Southeast Asia. While China’s teams remain at the top, competitors from Malaysia and elsewhere are proving they can challenge the status quo. ## China’s Unmatched Ecosystem Honor of Kings is more than just a game in China-it’s a cultural phenomenon. The game’s Chinese historical and mythological themes, combined with its early launch in the country, have fostered a massive and dedicated player base. This has translated into a thriving esports scene, with multiple high-level tournaments, including the King Pro League (KPL), which runs from October to November. The game’s accessibility and social appeal have also contributed to its popularity, with players like Kuaishou’s Zhang "LiuLang" Heng noting how it allows friends to team up and enjoy the game together. China’s competitive ecosystem is unparalleled, with teams and players constantly pushing each other to improve. This depth of talent was evident at the World Cup, where Chinese teams like Kuaishou Gaming dominated. However, LiuLang acknowledged that players from other regions are improving rapidly, narrowing the gap between China and the rest of the world. ## Southeast Asia’s Rising Challenge Southeast Asia, a region already strong in mobile esports like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, is emerging as a serious contender in Honor of Kings. Two Malaysian teams, Geekay Esports and ROC Esports, reached the semifinals of the World Cup, losing 3-0 to Chinese teams but impressing with their skill and strategy. Kuaishou’s He "jHao" Weijia noted that these teams applied significant pressure, demonstrating mature macro and team-fighting capabilities. Players like Bigetron by Vitality’s Muhammad "JenMyth" Rifaldi are optimistic about the region’s future. JenMyth believes that with more international experience and stronger local competition, Southeast Asia can close the gap on China. The game’s mechanics, including a smaller map and more neutral objectives, suit the region’s playstyle, making it a natural fit for players transitioning from other MOBAs. ## The West’s Struggle for Representation In contrast, the West remains a minor player in the Honor of Kings scene. Only two teams, Virtus.pro and MIBR.LOS, qualified for the World Cup. MIBR.LOS, representing Brazil, failed to win a single game, while Virtus.pro was swept 4-0 by Kuaishou Gaming in the playoffs. The West’s struggle is partly due to cultural differences-mobile gaming is less dominant in regions where PC and console gaming are more prevalent. Additionally, the cost of high-end PCs in countries like Indonesia makes mobile gaming a more accessible option, as noted by Mobile Legends: Bang Bang pro Vivi "Vivian" Indrawaty. ## The Road Ahead China’s dominance in Honor of Kings is unlikely to wane soon, especially with its deep talent pool and competitive infrastructure. However, the World Cup showed that other regions, particularly Southeast Asia, are making strides. The gap may be narrowing, but China’s continuous improvement means catching up will be a moving target. As teams like Kuaishou Gaming seek to refine their synergy, the question remains: how close can other regions get before China moves even further ahead?