Even after all this time, Blacklist International still has the power to dictate the MPL PH meta.
The MPL PH S13 has just started but Blacklist International is already showing signs of brilliance thanks to Kiel “Oheb” Q.Soriano. The veteran carry shocked the crowd last weekend by bringing out an old classic – Ruby in the Gold Lane. It’s an Explosive Start for the MPL PH S13.
Ruby is traditionally played as a Roamer due to the reach and disruption she provides in teamfights and ganks. Seeing Ruby in a carry role, especially one that’s dominated by ranged heroes, is a bold move by Blacklist. Initially it was only Oheb pushing for this strategy but eventually the team found a way to make it work.
“Nung una sa akin lang. Kasi hero ko siya nung dati pang amatuer ako so feel ko main hero ko siya,” said Oheb. “Sabi ko sa mga coach at sa team ko ‘gusto ko siya gamitin, try natin ipasok siya sa meta. Nagma-marksman naman si Sensui so pwede natin i-try.’”
Blacklist found that moment during their opening week match against Minana EVOS. While the Ruby Gold Lane pick went 1-1, it shows that the team is ready to throw curveballs at their opponents to knock them out of their game.
Dictating the Meta
Blacklist as a team has been famously known for single-handedly shaping the Philippine meta game. They even coined the notorious UBE strategy (short for Ultimate Bonding Experience) which paved the way for their M3 world championship victory. When Blacklist tries something new, teams usually follow.
“Feel ko, kahit sa mga na-scrim namin maraming gumagaya sa mga heroes namin,” says Oheb. “Kasi yung Blacklist, hindi kami takot mag-try ng kung ano-anong heroes at laruin sa MPL. Kahit sobrang unorthodox, kahit walang gumagamit, hindi kami takot praktisin at gamitin sa MPL. Kaya siguro kami yung palagi nagdi-dictate ng meta.”
New picks and unconventional strategies is nothing new for Blacklist and Oheb says there’s more coming in the MPL.
Banner photo by MOONTON Games.
Related Stories:
It’s an Explosive Start for the MPL PH S13
Blacklist International Has Money on Their Mind as They Enter MPL PH S13
Everything You Need to Know About the New MPL PH Season 13 Schedule