Get ready for a gaming revolution! Kongor Studios is shaking up the esports world with a massive $100,000 tournament for the revived MOBA classic, Heroes of Newerth: Reborn. But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just any tournament—it's a bold move to reignite the passion for a game that once dominated the scene but faded into obscurity. And this is the part most people miss: with open qualifiers and a prize pool that's turning heads, Kongor Studios is betting big on a comeback that could challenge the likes of Dota 2 and League of Legends.
Kongor Studios has officially announced the inaugural Heroes of Newerth: Reborn esports tournament, marking a significant milestone in the game's resurgence. The developer has confirmed a staggering $100,000 (~£75,319) prize pool for this global event, which is set to attract players from all corners of the gaming community. In a recent statement, Kongor Studios teased that more details—including registration processes and tournament structure—will be unveiled in the coming weeks. What’s even more inclusive is their decision to open the tournament to all players, ensuring that anyone with the skill and determination can compete.
This tournament is just the latest step in Heroes of Newerth’s ambitious comeback journey. After its initial retirement, the game was resurrected through a collaboration between Kongor Studios and Garena. The title first returned to the spotlight in January with its announcement, followed by an alpha release in May. The excitement peaked on October 22nd with the release of the open beta trailer, which revealed that the game’s open beta will kick off on November 11th, free for everyone to play.
But here's the controversial part: Can Heroes of Newerth: Reborn truly reclaim its former glory in a market dominated by giants like Dota 2 and League of Legends? While the game’s esports scene saw a modest revival in 2025 with small-scale tournaments hosted by Paradise League, it’s worth noting that the most-watched event in its history—the HoN Tour World Finals 2017—peaked at 15,256 viewers. That’s a far cry from the millions tuning into today’s top esports titles. Yet, with a $100,000 prize pool and open qualifiers, Kongor Studios is clearly aiming to change that narrative.
The question remains: Will this be enough to reignite the community’s passion and establish Heroes of Newerth: Reborn as a serious contender in the competitive MOBA landscape? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is this tournament a game-changer, or is it too little, too late? Let us know in the comments below!
