HOK PH enters 2026 with KIS4, Asian Games national qualifiers, and the expansion of PKL Spring.
Honor of Kings (HOK) Philippines announced its 2026 local and international events. The esports ecosystem for the mobile MOBA title is expanding from the Kings Invitational League Season 4 (KIS4) to the Asian Games 2026 and to a larger Philippine Kings League (PKL). As the league continues to grow, so does the competition.
That said, here is a rundown of what HOK has in store for fans in the Philippines this 2026.
Blacklist International and BOOM Esports to represent PH at KIS4
Blacklist International and BOOM Esports will represent the Philippines at the first HOK Esports event of 2026, the KIS4. The tournament is set to run from Jan. 31 to Feb. 18 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The two Filipino representatives will face top-tier teams from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Major East League in a battle for glory.
Thanks to their strong Team Star Value, both Blacklist and BOOM earned the privilege of selecting teams for their respective groups. The competition begins with a single-round robin, best-of-five (Bo5) Group Stage, determining playoff seeding. The top two teams from each group will advance to a single-elimination, best-of-seven (Bo7) Knockout Stage. This is where teams can choose their opponents as a strategic advantage.
PKL Spring 2026 expands to 10 teams
On the domestic front, PKL Spring 2026 is undergoing a major expansion.
For the first time, the league will feature 10 teams, up from the previous eight. This move reflects the growing player base within the Philippine Honor of Kings scene.
The expanded lineup will consist of:
- Six invited teams
- Four teams qualifying through the HoK Open Series Split 5
The Open Series runs from Jan. 24 to Feb. 1, giving aspiring teams a clear path into the country’s top-tier HoK competition. Official announcements regarding invited teams and organizations are expected soon via HoK Esports Philippines’ official channels.
SIBOL National Qualifier determines PH representatives for Asian Games 2026
National pride was also on full display earlier this month. The SIBOL National Qualifier determined who would represent the Philippines at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Three powerhouse teams, Blacklist International, BOOM Esports, and TNT Tropang Alab, battled for the honor of carrying the Philippine flag on the international stage.
In the end, Blacklist International emerged victorious. The team secured the spot for the Asian Games 2026. As a result, Gerald “Tgee” Gelacio has been named head coach of the Philippine Honor of Kings national team, giving him the responsibility of building the roster that will compete later this year.
A pivotal year ahead for HoK PH esports
With international tournaments, a growing domestic league, and the Asian Games spotlight looming, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for Honor of Kings in the Philippines.
From Jakarta to Aichi-Nagoya, Filipino teams and players will have multiple opportunities to prove themselves on the regional and global stage, while the expanded PKL ensures that new talent continues to rise at home.
