Blacklist International and Omega Esports gave the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang community a treat on Saturday night.
Though the Tier One-backed squad came out victorious in the best-of-three thriller via a 2-1 reverse sweep, the boys from Omega showed that they too, can dominate despite missing one major piece.
With that, Blacklist International coach Kristoffer “Bon Chan” Ricaplaza made sure to address the humongous elephant in the room during his post-game interview – calling all the fans as well as the players to bring back the healthy rivalry that they created earlier this year.
“Sabihin nating maganda yung nabuong rivalry eh.
“Siguro mag-move on na tayo sa dumaang isyu ibalik natin yung healthy rivalry kung saan yung mga fans nagkaka-isa. Hindi naman kami yung panalo dito eh ang mas panalo yung mga nanood, mas nag enjoy sila,” said Bon Chan moments after the win.
Unlike the previous rivalries in the league, Blacklist International and the former Execration core that is currently representing Omega Esports formed something much, much greater – a wholesome rivalry.
It all started back in the MPL Philippines Season Seven playoffs, where Execration shocked everyone by making it to the finale and even dragging the league-leading Blacklist International to seven tight games in the grand finals.
Blacklist International prevailed over Execration, but the latter claimed sweet revenge on the former in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup.
The bond that was formed through countless of heart-stopping battles, however, was left stained after Duane “Kelra” Pillas made disgusting remarks towards Blacklist International stars Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna and Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario during a live stream.
Kelra, who already apologized to the two, was handed a two-week suspension which will end next week along with fines from the league and his mother club.
Now already at the second week of Season Eight, Bon Chan hopes that everyone can now move on from everything that transpired all while embracing the lessons that followed.
“Basta enjoy kaming nag lalaro kapag sila yung kalaban hindi lang dahil sa kami na yung tinaguriang bagong rivals kundi enjoy talaga e, enjoy sila kalaro.”
