NOVA Esports Sweep Nongshim RedForce to Win Honor of Kings Invitational S4
Honor of Kings Invitational Season 4 officially wrapped up in Jakarta, kicking off the global HoK esports calendar for 2026 with a commanding championship run from Malaysia’s NOVA Esports.
NOVA completed a dominant 4–0 sweep over South Korea’s Nongshim RedForce in the Grand Finals, cementing their status as the top team to beat heading into the new competitive year.
Hosted at the GBK Basketball Hall, the KIS4 Finals brought together elite international competition and large-scale entertainment, positioning Indonesia at the center of the global esports spotlight.
NOVA Esports Set the Tone for the 2026 Season
NOVA Esports’ championship run was defined by control, composure, and tactical precision, culminating in a one-sided Grand Finals performance against Nongshim. Their clean sweep underscored the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead in the 2026 season.
Mid laner Muci emerged as the Finals MVP, delivering consistent, high-impact performances throughout the series and anchoring NOVA’s dominant showing on the biggest stage of the tournament.
Philippine Teams Shine Across Multiple Events
The KIS4 Finals weekend also saw the conclusion of the Honor of Kings Women’s Series 3, where Philippine representatives HYVE All Star claimed the championship with a victory over defending champions AG Global. HYVE’s title run highlighted the growing strength and depth of the Philippine women’s Honor of Kings scene on the international stage.
Beyond the main competitions, the National Star Challenge added another layer to the event, featuring influencer-led regional teams. Chanosquad International from the Philippines emerged victorious in the Tri-National Showdown, further extending the country’s presence across multiple tournament formats during the Finals.
Esports Meets Culture at the KIS4 Finals
The KIS4 Finals delivered more than just competition, transforming the championship weekend into a festival-style celebration. The event opened with a Wayang-inspired Opening Ceremony that blended traditional Indonesian storytelling with modern esports presentation, followed by live cultural performances throughout the program.
The halftime show was headlined by Indonesian music icon Afgan, reinforcing the event’s fusion of esports, music, and culture for both local and international audiences.
Honor of Kings Unveils Major Global Roadmap for 2026
Alongside the championship matches, Honor of Kings revealed key updates to its global esports roadmap for 2026.
Announcements included expanded grassroots competitions and the game’s return to the Esports World Cup 2026. It also added participation in the Esports Nations Cup, and being an official medal event at the 20th Asian Games.