Photo: GosuGamers
Tournament favourites Nova Esports live up to their promise to become the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3 champions.
Malaysia's Nova Esports have been crowned as champions of the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3 after defeating South Korea's Nongshim Redforce, 4-3, in a seven-game grand finals that had to be decided with an Ultimate Battle on Saturday (1 March). With this win, Nova Esports grabbed their US$100,000 grand prize out of the tournament's US$300,000 prize pool.
A David versus Goliath feel has already been present the moment both team stepped into the stage. However, being the underdog doesn't deter Nongshim Redforce to play aggressive and struck first blood to Nova Esports. They shocked the favourites with an early lead and control the tempo to secure the first game.
However, Nova Esports regained their composure and won the next two games with complete domination. Ending game two and three in 14 minutes and 10 minutes, respectively. Wanting to make their fans proud, Nova Esports picked their signature Menki to secure game four and Agudo on game five. The JPKR representatives has another say on the Malaysian team's plan, as they completely nullified both heroes to take a 3-2 lead over Nova Esports.
The Malaysian, with their backs against the wall, rallied back to win game six and forced another ultimate battle for Nongshim Redforce. This was the third time the JPKR Qualifier champion got into this situation and the second for Nova Esports.
With no limitation to what they bring on the table, Nongshim Redforce secured their signature Sun Ce, while Nova Esports took Guan Yu. While the underdog picked Loong and Dolia, the favourites took Arli and Dyadia for their Farm Lane pair. The pick rounds out with both teams picked Augran and Mai Shiranui.
Experience was in the hands of Nongshim Redforce as they already been in the situation thrice. However, this was the first time that they were being forced into Ultimate Battle. Riding the momentum, Nova Esports showed vigour and confidence to set themselves into an advatageous position in the game. Nongshim Redforce defended brilliantly against their opponent. However, their core must fall after a failed attempt in a teamfight near the Tyrant. Nova Esports claimed the throne in the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3.
Nova Esports were pegged as the biggest favourites to win the tournament before it even started, proving themselves worthy of that moniker by breezing through the Group Stage. They destroyed Impunity, 3-0, and decimated Kagendra, 3-1, to advance to the Knockout Stage.
In the first round of the Knockout Stage, Nova Esports completely outclassed fellow Malaysian team AG Global in a 4-0 victory to advance to the semifinals. However, a tournament dark horse in Team Vitality pushed the Malaysian squad to the limit, forcing them to their first game seven Ultimate Battle of the tournament. Ultimately, Nova Esports won with a 4-3 score to secure a spot in the grand finals to face Nongshim Redforce.
Fresh from being the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3 champions, Nova Esports will continue their journey in the new Malaysia Kings League as Honor of Kings kickstarts regional leagues all across the world.
