Mobile esports are blowing up — and watching on the sofa with a Canadian Base (if you are here), you will have already seen how explosive this segment is. The Honor of the Kings Invitational Season 3 in Manila is more than a tournament, and it is a statement. Great crowds, intense game-play, and a roster of the best international teams have turned this into one of the most significant mobile events of 2025.
Honor of Kings is not only a mobile MOBA, but a spectacle. Teams representing China, Southeast Asia, Brazil, and the Middle East will travel to Manila, where they will compete in the invitational to secure their chance at bragging rights and a piece of the prize pool totaling 300,000 USD. The gameplay is lightning-fast and perfect for short attention spans, making it an ideal viewing experience for mobile-first audiences—something that feels as unpredictable and exciting as a Plinko game falling down the pegs.
The astonishing thing is how mobile esports have turned into the mass market in such a short time. The convergence of console and mobile gaming is narrowing rapidly, as phones have better performance, come with larger displays, and offer smoother gameplay. Canadians with a decent data plan and a good device are now playing the same games as pros in Manila.
One of the unexpected quirks of the mobile esports surge is its crossover appeal. As fanbases grow, there’s been some weird but entertaining overlap with other online communities. One trending topic? Comparing game strategies in Honor of Kings to the thought process behind analyzing an NFL betting line.
It might sound odd, but both involve stats, predictions, momentum shifts, and bold calls under pressure. Plus, mobile esports are pulling in viewers who might otherwise be checking fantasy football scores or NFL odds. Esports has stopped being its bubble—it’s part of the broader digital entertainment conversation now.
Placement Prize Money (USD)
1st Place $100,000
2nd Place $70,000
3rd–4th Place $40,000
5th–8th Place $12,500
It’s not just big names cashing in—up-and-coming teams are getting their share of the spotlight too.
Honor of Kings may have originated in China, but it’s caught on in every corner of the globe. Brazil’s Vivo Keyd Stars and Saudi Arabia’s Twisted Minds are climbing the ladder, while Southeast Asian fans are rallying behind powerhouses like AP Bren. The Manila crowd? Loud, loyal, and electric.
Canadian fans may not have their national team yet, but that doesn't mean they are not watching. The buzz of mobile esports is increasing from Vancouver to Halifax. Data on how ridiculous this format is can be found in the ease with which one can simply jump into a ranked match during the commute to work or during lunch.
There are a few key reasons mobile tournaments like this one are grabbing more attention than ever:
And while traditional esports remain huge, mobile is quietly catching up—and in some places, already dominating.
The Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3 proves mobile esports are here to stay. What was once seen as “gaming lite” is now commanding full stadiums and millions of online views. And for Canadians tuning in, it’s a chance to witness where competitive gaming is headed next. So next time someone says real esports are only on PC—just show them a last-second teamfight from Manila.
