Nova Esports claimed victory at the Honor of Kings Invitational S3 Manila, defeating Nongshim RedForce in a close 4-3 match.
Why it matters: The win marks Nova Esports’ first championship after finishing in the upper bracket in last year’s Invitationals in Jakarta. Nongshim RedForce, despite their loss, impressed with their comeback performance throughout the tournament.
The intense battle saw both teams alternating wins before Nongshim gained a 3-2 lead. However, Nova fought back to tie the series, pushing it to a final Battle Challenge in Game 7, where they emerged as champions.
Nongshim RedForce: A Strong Run Falls Short
Nongshim RedForce had a dominant tournament, eliminating all Filipino teams before reaching the finals. In their post-game press conference, the team shared their experiences:
- Siri said he exceeded his expectations, surprising himself with his improvement.
- The team arrived early in the Philippines to get used to the environment and gradually improved as they played.
- Their advice to aspiring pro players: Build self-confidence and believe you can be the best.
Nova Esports: A Hard-Earned Championship
Nova Esports expressed excitement over their victory, calling it a significant moment for their newly built team. They also praised the Filipino crowd for being warm and welcoming throughout the event.
- On advice to aspiring players: Work hard and have self-discipline to win.
- On solo queue gameplay: Use open mic to communicate and pick heroes you’re confident with.
What’s Next for Honor of Kings Esports?
Honor of Kings has announced a new esports roadmap for 2025, introducing seven regional leagues to expand its competitive scene. These leagues will serve as pathways for teams to qualify for global events, including the Kings World Championship and the Honor of Kings International Championship.
With Nova Esports securing their first title and Nongshim RedForce showing their strength despite a heartbreaking loss, Honor of Kings esports continues to expand globally.
Who do you think will dominate in the next tournament?
