Omega Esports made sure to express its support to rookie Kent “Kevier” Lopez and the rest of Blacklist International on Saturday night.
The SMART-backed squad eliminated Blacklist International from playoff contention via a huge 2-0 win which saw the latter put up a gallant stand in Game Two that lasted for almost 30 minutes.
It can be seen during the live broadcast that Kevier, who has been under fire since the league’s opening week, broke into tears moments after the match.
With that, Omega Esports head of coach and player development Tony “Ynot” Senedrin asked Blacklist International’s fans to take it easy on the 15-year-old jungler. After all, the shoes that Kevier was tasked to fill were really huge ones.
“Actually, a while ago yun nga nung nag-end yung game, we shook hands with Blacklist and I really felt nung nakita ko si Kevier,” said Ynot during the post-match interview.
“It was his rookie season kasi tapos nakita ko yung emotions sa kanya na overwhelmed siya kasi yun nga do-or-die yung match e.
“I kinda feel for him kasi siyempre coming from a championship yung Blacklist then pumalit siya, tapos medyo hindi maganda yung nangyari and it doesn’t help na yung mga fans natin – I mean I’m grateful sa mga fans, without you, wala kami, pero please take it easy with the players,” he added.
Meanwhile, head coach Jomie “P4kbet” Abalos urged fans to keep supporting the team despite their struggles this season.
“Dun sa Blacklist fans diyan, cheer up niyo yung team lalo si Kevier nakita ko yung iyak niya kanina napayakap na lang din ako,” pleaded P4kbet.
Blacklist International, MPL Philipines’ back-to-back defending champions and the reigning M3 World Champions, ended the group stage with 14 points through a 3-11 standing. The organization is set to miss the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
