Against all odds, Blacklist International triumphed in two crucial matches to advance to the upper bracket in the MPL Philippines Season 13 playoffs at SM Southmall on Wednesday (5/22). Their victories over Minana Evos and Fnatic Onic PH silenced critics who doubted their form following a shaky regular season.
Earlier, Blacklist’s sharp decline worried many fans. Expectations were low as the team seemed destined for a tough close to the season. However, the Agents recalibrated their strategy and bounced back, ending Week 6 with a pivotal win against AP Bren. This resurgence saw them defeat top contenders Echo and RSG PH, securing fifth place and a playoff spot.
The first play-ins against Minana Evos, who reached the playoffs for the first time since Season 8, were intense. Blacklist’s blend of seasoned play and new tactics edged them past a determined ME squad.
In Game 1, the White Tigers chose a heavy crowd control lineup, while Blacklist surprised with Edward “Edward” Dapadap’s elusive Benedetta. The match was neck-and-neck until the seventh minute when Blacklist gained the upper hand. Edward’s relentless pressure on ME’s star, Jan “Domeng” Delmundo, culminated in a 15-10 victory by the 18th minute.
ME came back strong in Game 2, leveling the series with aggressive play. The next two games were nail-biters, but Blacklist’s UBE 2.0 strategy, highlighted by Kenneth “Hue” Tadeo’s flawless Pharsa performance (5-0-4 KDA), secured the series in the deciding game.
Advancing to the next play-ins, Blacklist faced this season’s favorite, Fnatic Onic PH. The Yellow Porcupines had the whole venue roaring as they dominated Game 1 with a 14-5 win, but The Codebreaker quickly adapted. Yue’s stellar Vexanna play (2-1-11 KDA) and a crucial 24th-minute knock-up turned the tide in Game 2.
In the decisive Game 3, Salik “Hadji” Imam’s early initiations set the tone, and Blacklist maintained control, winning comfortably in 14 minutes. Edward sealed the deal in Game 4 by neutralizing Fnatic Onic’s star, Duane “Kelra” Pillas, and securing a crucial lord in the 18th minute for a game-winning push.
With these victories, Blacklist International earned a rematch with Team Falcons AP.Bren in the upper bracket semi-finals of MPL PH S13 this evening. If they sustain this momentum, a ticket to MSC 2024 in Saudi Arabia this summer could be within reach.
