End of an era: Blacklist International bids goodbye to MPL PH
Renowned esports organization Blacklist International revealed that they would be departing from the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines.
This decision comes after an impressive five-year tenure in the league, during which the team solidified its reputation as a formidable force in the competitive gaming landscape.
In a lengthy statement, the organization said its move was rooted in a "business opportunity" that was presented to it, which aligns with the "new direction of Tier One Entertainment to go beyond Esports."
"Though we believe in the future of the MLBB community, with a heavy heart, we bid a bittersweet farewell to the Blacklist MLBB men's team, as the organization has decided to transfer our MPL Franchise Ownership to a new organization for MPL season 15," the esports team said.
The statement also elaborated that the organization intends to dedicate its resources and expertise toward crafting and enhancing the rosters for its current titles.
"To every single agent who has cheered for us, shown up to our games and watch parties, bought our merch—for all your undying support—we thank you."
"To the MLBB players who have poured their heart and soul into the game and competed under the Blacklist International banner, we salute you."
The statement concluded, "As one story ends, so begins another. Regardless of the future, we will always be proud of our past, and the stories that we had together will remain in our hearts forever."
'The end of an era'
Meanwhile, in a heartwarming video, MPL Philippines expressed its gratitude to Blacklist International via a video featuring some of the iconic wins of the team.
"For the unforgettable moments, the epic wins, and the legacy you've built in MLBB, thank you, Blacklist International. Continue breaking the code in your next chapter," the caption read.
In July 2024, Filipino MLBB stars Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna, Edward “Edward” Dapadap, Danerie "Wise" Del Rosario, and Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo announced their departure from Blacklist International, their longtime esports organization.
Formed in 2020, Blacklist International is a Southeast Asian esports organization under Tier One Entertainment. They manage competitive esports divisions in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG, Garena Free Fire, Dota 2, and Apex Legends.
The org's previous MLBB team—consisting of Villaluna, Dapadap, Del Rosario, Dexter "DEX STAR" Alaba, Kiel "Oheb" Soriano, and Mark Jayson "ESON" Gerardo—made waves as they "broke the code" and won the seventh season of MPH in 2021.
They went on to beat Indonesia to win a second consecutive gold medal in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi.
The organization also earned one MLBB World title and three MPL Philippines championship trophies, as well as two world finals appearances, two mid-season cup final appearances, and five MPL Philippines Finals appearances.
