Each Team participating in the Tournament must have a roster consisting of the following: (1) at least 5 but no more than 7 Players; (2) one designated Head coach; and (3) one designated Team Manager. The individual serving as a Team’s coach may also be the Team’s manager. The maximum size of a Team’s roster may not exceed 10 individuals, including all players, coaches, and managers. No Team may participate in the Tournament without the full complement of players, a coach registered on their roster. The Tournament Organizer will cover travel expenses for a total of 7 individuals during the Tournament. Each Team Member must have a valid contract with the team, and the contract’s effective period must cover the entire duration of the Tournament, remaining valid through 30 November 2025.

The Team’s starting lineup must consist of exactly 5 starting Players (each, a “Starter”) who will compete in the Tournament’s matches. The starting lineup must be confirmed prior to each Match according to the schedule set by the Tournament Organizer. Each Team is allowed to register up to 2 substitute Players (each, a “Substitute”) who may replace a Starter between Matches or during designated substitution periods, as allowed by the Tournament’s substitution rules. Substitutes must meet all player eligibility requirements in these Official Rules.

The Team’s designated Starters, Substitutes, a Head Coach, a Team Manager and an Assistant Coach or Analyst comprise the “Active Roster” of the Team. The registered Active Roster must include no more than 10 members. No individual may simultaneously (1) hold two or more of the roles listed in the preceding sentence (if a member who is registered as both the coach and manager can be considered as the exception for this rule); or (2) represent (or be on the Active Roster of) more than one Team. Once submitted, the Active Roster is considered locked and must remain the same during all phases of the Tournament (including Tournament Main Stage if advanced), unless an event occurs that is beyond the control of the Team, such as a Player’s sudden illness or an accident that prevents the Player from travelling to the host country. All changes to Active Roster require the prior approval of the Tournament Organizer.

The Team’s manager must submit the official roster of the Team on or before 23:59 UTC+8 October 22nd 2025, or such other date and time as may be announced by the Tournament Officials. The official roster must include the names of all players, the coach, the manager, and all other information required by the Tournament Organizer, including player usernames, contact details, and eligibility documentation. The failure to submit a valid and complete Active Roster by the specified deadlines may result in disciplinary actions, including forfeiture of Games or Matches or a default starting lineup for the first Game that is designated by the Tournament Organizer. If a roster change request is submitted after 23:59 UTC+8 October 22nd 2025 by the Team, the Tournament Organizer, at its discretion, may require the Team to reimburse the Tournament Organizer for the costs of the replacement player’s visa and travel. The Tournament Organizer reserves the right to review and approve any change to the Active Roster of a Team and may reject or disqualify any individual who (1) fails to meet the requirements set forth in these Official Rules, or (2) is or has been in violation of these Official Rules.

Teams may substitute players from their Active Roster during the Tournament, provided the substitution is made in compliance with the rules outlined below. Only players who are listed on the Team’s Active Roster as Substitutes may be used for substitutions. A Substitute may not be on the roster of or play for another Team in the Tournament. Substitutions may occur between Games of a Match or between different rounds of the Tournament. The Team must notify a tournament referee and have the Substitute approved no later than 5 minutes after the end of the previous Game. Substitutions during an ongoing Game are only allowed in cases of emergency, such as illness involving a Starter, and must be approved by a tournament referee. If a Team is unable to find a substitute player before a Game commences, the Team will forfeit. The Tournament Organizer will determine if an event qualifies as an emergency. A Substitute must satisfy the player eligibility requirements at the time the substitution is made.

Teams are allowed a maximum of 2 player changes, which include additions, replacements, or removals, based on their preliminary qualifier roster. Each change will count as one slot, for example, adding one player or replacing one player both equal one slot used. For players added or replaced from active rosters of professional teams either within or outside the current Honor of Kings professional leagues, teams must submit a valid transfer certificate or provide a loan agreement covering the whole period of the tournament approved by all parties involved. All roster changes require pre-approval by the respective regional league committees, who retain sole authority over the validity of roster adjustments.