What is Honor of Kings, and how did the game smash the esports attendance world record?

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 11/11/2025

Honor of Kings is one of the world’s most played MOBAs, but its esports scene is most popular in Asia compared to elsewhere. 

So, what exactly is Honor of Kings? Moreover, how did the game smash the esports event attendance world record on the same weekend as the League of Legends World Championship?

What is Honor of Kings? 

Honor of Kings is a mobile MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game published by Tencent.  

Most esports fans in the UK will likely have never watched an Honor of Kings esports tournament. However, the UK has been involved in the game’s esports ecosystem for many years. 

Back in 2021, Premier League side Wolves became the first football club to participate in Honor of Kings Pro League. In fact, Wolves still compete in China’s King Pro League (KPL) today. 

Honor of Kings is the highest-grossing mobile game worldwide. From January 2025 to June 2025, it has already grossed $895.43 million USD, placing it over $100 million USD ahead of games such as Last War: Survival, Whiteout Survival, Royal Match, and PUBG MOBILE. 

Similar to League of Legends and Dota 2, Honor of Kings features the classic 5v5 format. There are also five roles per team. Each player selects from Warrior, Assassin, Mage, Marksman, or Support. 

The game also features its own unique mythological lore. Each playable character has a complex backstory that contributes to overarching narratives. Both League of Legends and Dota 2 also follow this trend. 

Despite not reaching the same popularity in Europe and the US, the game has incredible depth and a vast player base.

62,196-strong audience breaks esports attendance record

On November 8th, Honor of Kings broke the Guinness World Record for the largest live attendance at an esports match. 

The match itself took place at China’s National Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing. Critically, it was held over the same weekend as Counter-Strike’s IEM Chengdu and League of Legends’ World Championship Final, also in Chengdu, China. 

Furthermore, tickets for the event sold out in 12 seconds. 

Although mobile esports has varying levels of popularity worldwide, it is increasingly solidifying its position as the most dominant form of esports in terms of viewership and attendance. 

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is currently in the top three esports ecosystems when ranked by 2025 online viewership (highest peak viewership from a 2025 tournament). Currently, it is only beaten by League of Legends. 

When looking at the top five esports titles ranked by all-time viewership (highest peak viewers from any year), three of those five titles are mobile games. Free Fire, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and PUBG Mobile all make it into the top ranks. 

Despite Honor of Kings not making either list, its record-breaking attendance proves it is a force to be reckoned with. 

In fact, the current expansion of mobile esports is undeniable. The regional Valorant Mobile launch in China generated $1 million and 170k downloads on its first day.

With Valorant Mobile’s global launch expected in 2026, mobile esports may finally reach European and North American audiences. 

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Hannah is a journalist specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports, Apex Legends, and advocating for women's esports initiatives. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ALGS LANs, ESI London, EGX, and watch parties.

All Posts By Hannah Marie ZT