PHNOM PENH – Despite missing the chance to claim his first Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup title, Blacklist International star Edward “Edward” Dapadap was still all smiles after their loss to ONIC Esports in the grand finals last Sunday.
His joy came from seeing his good friend and former teammate Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol finally hoist the international trophy that they had both dreamt of since the beginning of their careers.
Edward mentioned that witnessing Kairi achieve his lifelong dream made the loss less painful, although he admitted that it was still heart-wrenching.
“Ayun nga, parang mas less painful siya kasi nga ayun, si Kairi, tropa, [yung nanalo],” said Edward in an interview with Tiebreaker Times.
“Pero masakit pa rin eh. ‘De kasi dalawa na lang kulang ko e — MSC saka SEA Games. So wala e, okay lang naman,” he added.
As a two-time MPL Philippines Finals MVP, Edward also took solace in the fact that he gave his all in the six-game series for Blacklist International.
“Pero ‘di ko pinagbigyan yun na ano ah, kahit ka-tropa pa nga,” Edward said in jest.
“Pero ayun nga, lahat na ng ano binigay ko kanina. Sobrang pagod ako ngayon.”
This marks the second time that Edward and Blacklist International have lost in the MSC grand finals. Previously, the team suffered a surprising 4-1 defeat against rival Execration in the 2021 edition of Moonton’s mid-season international tournament.