Virtus.pro is one of three new teams to join Honor of Kings' new KML season

Honor of Kings' esports scene has continued to grow internationally, with big hopes for 2026. Esports organizations are seeing the rapid rise in popularity and want in on the action. 

The latest is Virtus.pro, which has rejoined Honor of Kings' partnership model. The organization now has a direct invite to the Honor of Kings Major League (KML), which is the newly introduced league that combines eastern and western teams. 

KML in 2026 shows big changes in Honor of Kings scene

It's a big change from 2025, when KML West had three teams and KML East had five. The KML, which has combined both regions, has 10 slots this year, with teams selected based on competitiveness and popularity. 

To bring the KML from eight teams to 10, Virtus.pro, Nongshim RedForce, and Horaa Esports have joined the action. 

“Partner status with Honor of Kings is an important step for the club and emphasises the publisher’s trust in Virtus.pro,” the organization announced in a statement.

“This creates the basis for long-term work in the discipline, including the development of a competitive direction, integration into key ecosystem activities, and interaction with the game community."

KML Spring 2026 will start on March 12th and continue until the 22nd. There will be a $35,000 prize pool and the winner will get a slot at the Honor of Kings World Cup (KWC) in Saudi Arabia. 

The KML is just one of many leagues that shape up the Honor of Kings' growing esports scene in 2026. With a goal of becoming an international phenomenon after its success in China, there are leagues popping up everywhere: 

• Philippine Kings League (PKL): February 20th to March 29th
• Brazil Championship (CHOKBR): February 20th to April 12th
• Malaysia Kings League (MKL): February 26th to April 5th
• Indonesia Kings League (IKL): February 27th to April 12th

Western countries are not as quick to catch on to the growing mobile esports scene. However, with Brazil taking notice of Honor of Kings' focus on community and exclusivity, other countries may want to join in the action.