In case you missed it, the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 2 SEA Qualifier series, a crucial closed qualifying round for the upcoming HoK Invitational Season 2, has wrapped up. And we were genuinely impressed by how well the newcomers held their own against the seasoned veterans.
The series which lasted from 24 – 26 May featured top contenders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines. While Myanmar and Cambodia competed as a joint group, the other regions had their own regional battles. And notably, veterans from Arena of Valor and LoL Wild Rift were spotted, alongside some Mobile Legends: Bang Bang veterans, particularly from Indonesia and the Philippines.
In Indonesia, Arena of Valor powerhouse Kagendra dominated, sweeping through every game and securing a decisive victory against Alter Ego, a team with a mix of Filipino and Indonesian players. Led by ESL series champion Farhan “Hanss” Akbari, Kagendra outshone their competitors with superior strategy.
A similar scenario unfolded in the Philippines, where the unexpected entrant Boom Esports toppled Blacklist International, a squad composed of G2 Blacklist’s Wild Rift players. It was a significant moment for MPL PH veteran Adrian “Toshi” Baccalo who emerged as Boom Esports’ standout player, proving his enduring prowess in competitive gaming.
In Malaysia, a thrilling clash saw LGD Gaming MY, featuring the seasoned Black Shrew Esports squad, defeat Team Secret with a 3-1 victory in the grand finale.
Lastly, the Singapore-Myanmar joint organisation Impunity secured their win with a commanding performance against Team Max. Notably, Impunity boasts some of the youngest and most active players in the SEA region, many of whom started competing in HoK only in 2022.
Winners from each qualifier will advance to the Invitational Season 2 in Malaysia on June 29, 2024. Meanwhile, the second and third place finishers from each group will get another chance to qualify through the SEA Last Chance Qualifier, scheduled for June 8 and 9.
