Modifications to the upcoming 2026 Major League Spring tournament have been declared by the Honor of Kings Major League Organizing Body.
An online announcement indicated that teams Astar Esports, Alpha7 Esports, and Leviatán will be absent from the competition, citing “unpredictability concerning connecting air travel” as the reason.
The official Honor of Kings competitive gaming social media channel posted: “International travel pathways have experienced disturbances, encompassing airspace restrictions, which have generated heightened doubt regarding onward flights, thus affecting the travel plans of multiple teams.”
These three squads had initially secured their places in the competition by succeeding in their respective regional contests. Astar Esports claimed victory in the Honor of Kings Open Series 2026 Split 5 for the MENA territory, while Leviatán’s roster, known as Los Pibes, triumphed in the identical tournament for the LATAM South area. Concurrently, Alpha7 Esports’ team, Rock Pirates, emerged as the champion of the Major League Spring Qualifier.
Key Information Regarding the 2026 Major League Spring
The organizing body further affirmed that the competition’s timetable is unaffected. Participants are slated to contend between March 12th and 22nd, vying for the majority portion of a monetary reward totaling $35,000 (approximately £26,120).
Furthermore, the champion will claim a guaranteed entry into the Honor of Kings World Cup 2026, which is the seasonal midpoint championship held concurrently with the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The monetary awards will be allocated in the following manner:
- First: $5,000 (~£3,730)
- Second: $4,500 (~£3,360)
- Third: $4,000 (~£2,980)
- Fourth: $3,500 (~£2,610)
- Fifth to 10th: $3,000 (~£2,240)
This championship includes three teams granted direct invitations: KME reigning titleholders Nongshim Redforce; Virtus.pro, a returning competitor; and Horaa Esports. The remaining participating squads earned their places via regional qualification stages, such as Team MAX, CMF Esports, The Vicious, and STMN Esports.
The Honor of Kings Major League Organizing Body stated: “We profoundly value the comprehension and backing from all competing teams and their supporters, and we commit to providing additional information if circumstances change.”
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the teams impacted, and we will persist in monitoring the situation diligently.”
