They’re a team that has forever left their mark in the MLBB esports world.
In case you’ve missed the news, the Blacklist International MLBB team is officially disbanding — an announcement that has shocked MLBB fans all over the world. While the organization itself is still continuing in other esports, their absence in the MLBB scene will surely be felt.
Debuting in the MPL back in January 30, 2020, the Blacklist International MLBB team was filled with ambition and promise. They had budding new talent such as Arvie “Aqua” Antonio, Edward Dapadap, and Kairi Reyosdelsol in their starting roster. Known MLBB heavyhitters today, though you wouldn’t have guessed it seeing the results of their first year.
Yes, Blacklist didn’t have the most spectacular opening year but as was said earlier, they had ambition. They were always making moves to become bigger and better and it would be in 2021 where they would really make their mark in the MLBB world.
Breaking the Code
When people think about the Blacklist International MLBB team, immediately there’s two players who come to mind: Jonmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna and Danarie “Wise” Rosario, the iconic ‘V33Wise’ duo. These two masterminds led Blacklist into an era where they were undoubtedly the best MLBB team in the Philippines.
It started with them winning MPL PH S7. Then, after getting second place at MSC 2021, they would go on to take MPL PH S8 and onwards to the M3 World Championship. It was during this time that they created the UBE strategy, short for Ultimate Bonding Experience, which dictated the professional MLBB meta for several seasons.
Afterwards, the team would represent the Philippines for the 31st SEA Games, winning the country their second MLBB gold medal. They would then win MPL PH S10, making them the only team so far to win three MPL titles.
Of course, it’s unfair to attribute the success of the Blacklist International MLBB team to just two players. From both the front and back end of operations, everyone contributed to making Blacklist into the juggernaut that it was. Still, everyone could feel that there was a shift in the team when the V33Wise duo decided to take a break after their MSC 2023 second place finish.
It felt like there was something missing from the team. And unfortunately, it seems the team didn’t have enough time to find that missing piece.
Filling in the Void
The departure of Blacklist from the MPL means that another team will be taking their place. While we’re still waiting for more details, it goes without saying that they have big shoes to fill. Blacklist weren’t just one of the best teams in the league, they were also the most popular.
You’d be hard pressed to find another group who are as passionate and dedicated as Blacklist fans. While the hope is that another team in the league will be able to foster a similar following, the reality is that no team will ever be able to replace Blacklist.
The organization did say that there’s a possibility that they could reenter the league in the future. It’s a faint hope but not likely to happen anytime soon. For now, all we can do is wait and see what the future has in store for both Blacklist and the rest of the MPL.
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.