Level Infinite Streamlines Honor of Kings: 7 Leagues Reduced to 5

Level Infinite has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its global esports ecosystem for the 2026 season, headlined by the creation of a new interregional circuit: the Honor of Kings Major League (KML). In a move designed to streamline the competitive landscape and foster fiercer rivalries, the publisher is merging multiple regional tournaments into a single global tier, effectively reducing the total number of leagues from seven to five while creating a unified stage for international talent, as posted on X. 

The launch of the KML represents a significant consolidation of the game’s international scene. According to Level Infinite, this new major league combines three previously separate series, including the Wildcard Kings Series (WKS), which covered Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau; the Major West League (KMW), spanning Europe, CIS, Turkey, and the Americas; and the Major East League (KME), which included Korea, Japan, South Asia, and the MENA region. By bringing these diverse territories under one banner, the publisher aims to improve competitive balance and ensure that no single region monopolizes the competition.

While the global structure is being tightened to create a singular global league, Level Infinite confirmed it will continue to support dedicated pathways for key national markets, as stated by EGW. The 2026 season will feature standalone competitions for high-growth regions, including key regions like Indonesia (IKL), the Philippines (PKL), Malaysia (MKL), and Brazil (CHOKBR). 

However, in a notable shift regarding the Greater China region, professional teams from Hong Kong and Macau are set to be transitioned back into the mainland Chinese esports ecosystem rather than competing in the international leagues. This structure sits alongside the existing franchised King Pro League (KPL) based in China.

New Roster Rules and Import Restrictions

To ensure fair play and allow local talent to shine within this new ecosystem, strict roster regulations will be enforced for the 2026 season. Teams are required to maintain a roster of five to seven players, with a mandate to field at least two citizens of the country they represent and a total of four residents from their wider regional division. 

In a bid to prioritize local player development, teams are permitted only one non-resident player, as reported by Esports Insider. Crucially, players from the Greater China division—a region where the title is historically dominant—will be classified as import players in all other divisions without exception.

This restructuring builds on a successful 2025 season, where Honor of Kings solidified its position in mobile esports following a $15 million USD investment by Level Infinite. The previous International Championship boasted a $1M prize pool. The 2025 season saw Honor of Kings surge to the forefront of the gaming world, securing its rank as the most popular mobile esport and a top-tier contender among all competitive disciplines globally.