The Honor of Kings World Cup (KWC) officially kicked off as part of the Esports World Cup 2026, bringing together 20 of the world’s top Honor of Kings and Arena of Valor teams while serving as the stage for several major franchise announcements.
Running from July 30 to August 8 in Paris, France, the tournament not only crowns the world’s best Honor of Kings team but also marks the debut of Honor of Kings: ACE, a new strategy card game, and confirms the franchise’s largest-ever presence at gamescom 2026.
Honor of Kings World Cup expands global competition
This year’s tournament features teams from both HOK and AOV, reflecting Tencent’s continued effort to unify its MOBA ecosystem on the international stage.
The competition also welcomes expanded regional representation, including teams from India, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
The Philippines will be represented by BOOM Esports, Titan Esports Club, and Blacklist International, who will compete alongside regional champions and invited teams from China, Brazil, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and India.
Tournament uses custom esports patch
The KWC is being played on a dedicated tournament version based on Season 15, featuring an expanded pool of 111 playable heroes.
The competition begins with a Play-In Stage, where eight teams compete in double-elimination groups, before advancing to a Group Stage featuring 16 teams battling for playoff berths. The tournament concludes with a single-elimination playoff bracket that culminates in a Best-of-7 grand final.
Tencent is also implementing Global Ban & Pick throughout the event, with the Ultimate Battle format reserved for the playoff stage.
Outside the official matches, fans attending the tournament can take part in community activities, including influencer showmatches, King Pro League exhibition matches, team meet-and-greets, and other interactive fan experiences.
Honor of Kings: ACE officially revealed
Alongside the tournament, Tencent unveiled Honor of Kings: ACE, a new strategy hero card battler set within the HOK universe.
The upcoming title will support cross-platform progression between mobile and PC, allowing players to continue their progress across both platforms.
While gameplay details remain limited, Tencent confirmed official social media channels are now live ahead of future reveals.
The announcement expands the HOK franchise beyond multiplayer online battle arenas, following the previously announced Honor of Kings: World action RPG.
Four Honor of Kings titles head to gamescom
Tencent also confirmed that all four HOK titles will be showcased together for the first time during gamescom 2026.
Visitors to the HOK booth will be able to play the game, experience AOV, try the latest build of HOK: World, and get one of the first public hands-on opportunities with HOK: ACE.
The booth will also feature cosplay appearances, stage activities, guest events, and exclusive giveaways.
Beyond the exhibition floor, Tencent will participate in Worlds of Play: The Game Art Exhibition, showcasing Dunhuang-inspired artwork, collectible statues, concept art, and a large-scale Li Bai “White Phoenix” sculpture that highlights the artistic direction of the HOK universe.
