Top 10 Toughest Countries Dominating Honor of Kings: The Global Giants of Mobile MOBA

When I first played Honor of Kings (HOK), I thought I was pretty decent. I could land my combos, win my lane, and even carry a few matches. But then… I matched with players from other regions. Suddenly, I was getting ambushed, outplayed, and crushed in 15 minutes flat. That’s when it hit me—this game isn’t just big in China anymore. It’s a global battlefield.

Since its international launch, Honor of Kings has taken the competitive mobile MOBA scene by storm, and certain countries have stepped up as true titans. Whether it's from years of esports culture or just raw mechanical skill, these nations dominate ranked games, esports tournaments, and leaderboards.

So, if you're wondering where the toughest Honor of Kings players in the world come from, here’s my list of the Top 10 Toughest Countries Dominating HOK—based on pro leagues, esports wins, and personal experience from playing the global version.

1. China – The Unquestionable Kings

Let’s be real: China is the home of Honor of Kings. They created it, refined it, and turned it into the world’s top-grossing mobile game. Chinese players have been playing HOK since 2015, and the King Pro League (KPL) is the most prestigious professional MOBA league in the world.

Top-tier Chinese teams like eStarPro, Wolves, and AG Super Play are so mechanically sound, watching them play is like watching a martial arts performance—flawless, fast, and fearless.

If you ever match with a Chinese team on the global server… good luck. You're in for a wild ride.

2. Thailand – The SEA Sharpshooters

Thailand has quietly built a ferocious Honor of Kings community, especially since the rise of Arena of Valor (AOV), HOK’s global variant before the official international launch. Thai players are incredibly team-focused and mechanically disciplined.

What’s more, they have a solid mobile esports infrastructure, and teams like Buriram United have made waves in the international arena.

In ranked games, Thai players tend to draft strong team compositions and rotate fast. They’re not just good—they’re smart.

3. Vietnam – The Esports Powerhouse of Southeast Asia

Vietnamese players are legendary in the mobile gaming world. In games like Wild Rift, Mobile Legends, and Arena of Valor, they’ve always been at the top—and HOK is no different.

Their aggressive playstyle, early-game invades, and mechanical flair make them terrifying opponents. When you see a Vietnamese team with perfect timing on every skill and objective, it feels like you're in an esports final—even if it’s just a ranked match.

Vietnam’s strong grassroots tournaments and young, passionate player base give them a long future in HOK.

4. Brazil – The South American Dark Horse

You might not expect it, but Brazil is quickly rising in the global HOK scene. The mobile gaming community in Brazil is massive, and they bring a unique mix of aggression and unpredictability to their playstyle.

Brazilian players love flashy heroes, risky plays, and high kills—and it often works. With the rise of streamers and local tournaments, don’t be surprised if Brazil becomes one of the top esports regions for HOK in the next year or two.

5. Philippines – The Hungry Contenders

As a Filipino gamer, I’ll say it proudly—we’ve always had the heart when it comes to competitive gaming. While Mobile Legends may still dominate in the Philippines, Honor of Kings is quickly catching attention, especially among streamers, content creators, and competitive players looking for a new challenge.

Filipino players are naturally creative, brave, and team-oriented. We might not have our own HOK pro league yet, but trust me, give us a year or two and we’ll be right up there with the best.

6. South Korea – The Strategic Masters

Korea is known for producing the best esports players in the world, and while they were late to the HOK scene, they’re quick learners. Their background in League of Legends, StarCraft, and other strategy-heavy games makes them dangerously methodical in HOK.

Korean players tend to have perfect map awareness, mechanical precision, and a calculated approach to every game. If you’re facing a Korean five-stack, don’t expect flashy kills. Expect clinical execution.

7. Saudi Arabia – The Rising Giants of the Middle East

The Middle East is a rising region in mobile gaming, and Saudi Arabia is leading the charge. With huge government support for esports and growing interest in mobile titles, Saudi players are showing high individual skill levels and strategic awareness in HOK.

Saudi Arabia also recently hosted several Honor of Kings invitational tournaments, giving their players international exposure.

8. Malaysia – The Tactical Underdogs

Malaysia has a long history in MOBA games, and their experience in titles like Mobile Legends and Dota 2 is clearly reflected in HOK. Malaysian players are smart, flexible, and tend to be very team-oriented, making them valuable allies and fearsome foes.

In Southeast Asia regional scrims and international HOK qualifiers, Malaysian teams are often the ones pulling off underdog upsets.

9. Indonesia – The Aggressive Playmakers

If you’ve ever played against an Indonesian squad, you’ll know how aggressive they can be. Early dives, 3-man ganks, and fast-paced team fights are just part of their DNA.

What makes Indonesia exciting in HOK is their fearless gameplay. They’re not afraid to try crazy hero picks or bold backdoor plays—sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but it’s always entertaining (and dangerous).

10. Turkey – The Sleeper Threat

You might not hear much about Turkey in the HOK scene yet, but Turkish players are highly competitive and mechanically skilled. With a growing mobile esports community and more global exposure through HOK’s worldwide launch, Turkey is a sleeper region to watch.

They also have strong cross-training in games like League of Legends and Valorant, which translates well into mobile MOBAs.

So, Who's the Toughest?

If we’re ranking pure dominance, China still holds the crown. But in terms of rising threats, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brazil are not far behind. And as HOK continues to grow globally, countries like the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Korea are poised to make serious waves.

As a global game, Honor of Kings is no longer just China’s pride—it’s a worldwide battlefield, and every country is bringing their A-game.

Final Thoughts: Where Do You Stand?

As a gamer, I find it exciting (and humbling) to face players from around the world. Every match feels like a learning experience. Some days I’m the carry. Other days, I’m the feeder. But every time I get matched with players from Thailand, China, or Vietnam, I know I have to level up.

How about you? Which country’s players do you struggle with the most in ranked? Or which ones are your favorite teammates?

Let’s talk about it in the comments—and maybe even squad up.