By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
When the dust of the exodus settled, Salic “Hadji” Imam and Kiel “OHEB” Soriano were left standing, ready to lead the new-look Blacklist International in the upcoming MPL Philippines Season 14.
Hadji and OHEB, along with head coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza, are the last remnants of the Blacklist International squad that won three MPL PH championships and the M3 World Championship.
The Tier One-backed squad underwent a massive overhaul following the departures of Edward “Edward” Dapadap, Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo, Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna, Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario, Renejay “RENEJAY” Barcarse, and coaches Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani and Dexter “DEX STAR” Alaba, who all transferred to Aurora.
Blacklist International managed to quickly fill the gaps by signing seven new players, headlined by veteran internationalists Gerald “Dlar” Trinchera and Michael “MP the King” Endino, both set to return to the MPL PH after spending past seasons overseas.
MP the King is coming off back-to-back championships with See You Soon in the MPL Cambodia, as well as a 5th-8th place finish in the recently concluded Mid Season Cup at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Dlar, meanwhile, spent time with EVOS Legends (MPL ID) and EVOS Icon (MDL ID) before capping off his international tour with the Burmese Ghouls in the 2024 Games of the Future.
Former Minana EVOS roamer John “Perkz” Sumawan will round out Blacklist International’s main five.
Jhon Marl “Lord JM” Sebastian, Mark “MarkTzy” Pagaduan, Kim “Kimpoy” Dela Cruz, Jhonville “OUTPLAYED” Villar, and Dexter “Exort” Martinez will be the team’s reserves.
