Many doubted the new-look Blacklist International entering MPL Philippines Season 12, but they’ve come a long way with three new members of the team, delivering a perfect start to their title bid in the M5 World Championship with two straight wins in the group stage.
Although already one of the veterans in the MPL Philippines, playing since Season 6, Renejay “Renejay” Barcase still couldn’t help but feel starstruck with the level of spotlight he is experiencing on MLBB’s grandest stage.
After all, this is his first M-series appearance.
“Sobrang saya tapos yung ngiti ko abot hanggang tenga, Nakaka-excite sobra maglaro sa M5 stage kasi iba-ibang countries yung nakakalaban namin. Nachachallenge kami kasi yung iba di namin alam pano sila maglaro kasi first time naming tatlo,” he said, laughing as he described how he felt finally arriving at the M5 stage.
Renejay did not show any jitters in his debut performance as he even took the Game 2 MVP award in a tight showdown against Brazil’s RRQ Akira that did not conclude until midway through the 28th minute of the match.
His fellow debutant in the M-series, Stephen “Sensui” Castillo, had the same feeling but has extra motivation under his belt that pushes him toward greatness.
“I feel excited because I want to show the world how strong we are.”
For Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo, what makes the M5 World Championship a unique experience is the opportunity to meet players from across the globe.
“It feels great because it’s my first time here in the M-series and there are a lot of new opponents coming from other countries,” he said.
They continued their stellar performance against Team SMG as Yue’s brilliance was key in Blacklist’s 2-1 victory over the Malaysian squad, taking the MVP award in each of the games that his team won to remain undefeated so far.
Should Fire Flux Esports hurdle their match against RRQ Akira in Monday’s matchup, the trio will get themselves a taste of the M5 World Championship Knockout stage action.
Many have doubted, but they proved their detractors wrong again and again.
