The world of esports is no stranger to breaking records, and last weekend was no exception. The King Pro League Grand Finals for the mobile game Honor of Kings captivated the attention of the esports community by setting a new Guinness World Record for attendance at a single esports event. Hosted at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest stadium, the finals drew in over 62,000 spectators, proving the game’s immense popularity in China.
The Birth of an Esport Giant
Developed by Tencent Games through its subsidiary TiMi Studio, Honor of Kings made its debut in November 2015. The game quickly gained traction, establishing itself as a major player in the esports industry with the formation of the King Pro League (KPL) in 2016. Starting with just 12 teams, the league has grown significantly, evolving into one of China’s most prominent esports competitions. Cheng Huang, the Head of the King Pro League, shared insights into the early challenges they faced, emphasizing the need to create an exciting and engaging format to attract teams and audiences alike.
In 2018, the KPL adopted a fixed franchise model with 14 teams, including major names like EDward Gaming and Royal Never Give Up. The league also introduced an innovative pick-and-ban system, enhancing the strategic depth of the competition. Today, the league boasts 18 teams and a prize pool that has grown from 1.85 million RMB in 2016 to 103.5 million RMB in 2025, alongside an audience of 250 million viewers.
Esports and Fandom at Its Highest Level
The Honor of Kings esports ecosystem has cultivated a fervent fandom, with the KPL becoming a significant cultural phenomenon in China. The league has embraced a regionalized model, with teams representing various cities, thereby strengthening local support and engagement. Events like the Honor of Kings Carnival showcase the deep connection between teams and their fans, with activities that allow supporters to express their admiration for players and teams.
The KPL’s home city approach has also led to the development of dedicated esports venues, enhancing both local tourism and fan loyalty. These venues serve as landmarks and facilitate engagement through the hosting of matches and community events.
The Bird’s Nest: Honor of Kings’ Crowning Esports Moment
With its record-breaking event at the Bird’s Nest, Honor of Kings has solidified its place as a titan in the esports world. The KPL Grand Finals sold out in a mere 12 seconds, drawing fans from across China to witness the clash between Wolves Esports and AG Super Play. The event’s spectacle, complete with a dual-sided screen and a dynamic halftime show, provided an unforgettable experience for those in attendance.
The unprecedented scale and enthusiasm of the event underline Honor of Kings’ growing influence in the esports sector, not just within China but on the global stage. With ongoing plans for international expansion, the future of Honor of Kings esports looks brighter than ever.