Malaysian supremacy continues as Nova Esports rule Honor of Kings Invitational S3

Nova Esports of powerhouse Malaysia bucked a slow start and unleashed clutch gameplays against South Korea's Nongshim RedForce, 4-3, to reign supreme in the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3 on Saturday at SM North EDSA. 

With the victory, Malaysia has added another trophy to its growing collection in HOK after having ruled the Invitational Season 2 in July 2024 behind LGD Gaming and HOK Championship behind Black Shrew Esports last October. 

Nova Esports also completed a title sweep after going 2-0 in the group stage and defeating AG Global and Team Vitality in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. 

But their finals run was not without a challenge as the Malaysians found themselves staring at a 2-3 series deficit after the Koreans--the same team that eliminated Philippine team Blacklist International in the semifinals— moved on cusp of what could have been its first international HOK title. 

Nova then hung tough by winning Game 6 behind the MVP efforts of Xuan on his Fuzi, unleashing two kills and 10 assists. 

Both teams went back and forth in the ultimate battle with the Koreans displaying a number of great defenses, but a two-on-two clash at Nongshim's base at the 18th minute mark favored the Malaysians behind Cy and Xuan. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News