Redemption, with a side of a million-dollar prize pool, is a good motivator for the team.
Blacklist International are looking more motivated than ever as they head into the MPL PH S13. They’re entering the new season reinvigorated despite a heartbreaking end to last year.
“Yung nangyari ng S12 at M5, parang medyo bitin,” said assistant coach Dexter “Dex Star” Alaba. “Kaya naman ng team, so yung mga mali namin try namin ayusin. At yung goal namin talaga ay makaabot ng MSC.” Indeed it really seems like getting to MSC 2024, or the Mid Season Cup, is the main motivator for the team, at least for the first half of the year. And they weren’t shy about explaining the reason why.
“Focus namin yung pera. Bonus na yung mag-champion kami,” said Kiel “Oheb” Q. Soriano, cheering along with his teammates at the mention of MSC’s three million USD prize pool. This is the largest tournament prize pool in the history of Mobile Legends esports, so it’s no surprise that the team is excited to compete.
Coach Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani has a more practical outlook about the massive prize pool in MSC. “Siguro mas-maganda kung makasabay din yung MPL kasi yung mga players na gustong gawing career yung pagpasok nila sa esports, kailangan din ma-sustain yung paglalaro nila.” Despite the prestige of competing at the highest level of Mobile Legends, it’s difficult to make esports a lucrative career. “Kinukumpara nila yun sa pagiging streamer. So mas-malaki yung hatak kung malaki yung prize pool.”
VeeWise and Renejay Sitting on the Sidelines
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is the absence of power duo Jonmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna and Danarie “Wise” Del Rosario. The two are widely considered to be responsible for Blacklist’s success in previous seasons but elected to go on a break last season and seem to have chosen to continue staying out of the limelight. Now breakout player Renejay Barcase has also decided to take a step back, throwing into question the team’s effectiveness coming into the new season.
However, coach MtB isn’t worried about Blacklist’s chances in the MPL PH S13. “Siyempre siguradong meron bago sa main five. Actually, hindi siya bago pero bagong-luma,” said the coach with a smile. Despite the changes, Blacklist still has the leadership and guidance of veteran players at their side. Previous world champions such as Edward Dapadap and Slaic “Hadji” Imam are still at the helm of the team, ensuring that Blacklist remains a top contender. “Abangan niyo na lang kami kasi may magbabago sa aming playstyle,” says coach MtB.
Banner photo by Moonton Games.
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