Blacklist International delivered one of the early surprises in the MPL Philippines playoffs, especially with Stephen “Sensui” Castillo displaying flexibility in the draft.
Against Onic Philippines in the play-ins, Sensui went for the unorthodox Popol and Kupa jungler pick that helped the Tier One-backed squad dominate the opener, winning with a spotless 6-0 kill score.
On Day 2 of the playoffs, Sensui once again flaunted his wide hero pool by debuting his Nolan pick in Game 3, which proved decisive for Blacklist as he received the game MVP citation and helped Blacklist reach match point.
“Paggamit ko po yung Nolan, tingin ko po sa laban, 80% na mananalo. Nung unang labas po kasi ni Nolan, ini-spam ko kaagad siya,” expressed Sensui regarding his confidence in the hero during the crucial Game 3 affair.
“Nung tinatry ko po dun, nakatank build po ako pero nakakapatay po ako nang nakakapatay kaya nakitaan ko po siya ng potential na i-full damage. Ginrind ko siya nang ginrind sa RG saka sa mga scrims,” he added.
Blacklist coach Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani revealed that it was Sensui who pushed to add Nolan to their repertoire, which would add more dynamism to their drafting strategies, especially in the crucial stretch of the playoffs.
“Yung Nolan kasi nung Week 6 di siya available pero si Sensui kasi kaya niya talaga gumamit ng assassin heroes. Ever since nagstart siya ng Blacklist, gumagamit talaga siya ng assassin. Di lang namin napapolish,” he explained.
“Nung alam na naming magiging available siya (Nolan) sa playoffs, sinabi ni Sensui gusto niya mag Nolan kaya pinasok na namin.”
With Blacklist just one series win away from a third-straight return to the M World Championship, Sensui’s confidence is at an all-time high.
“Mas confident ako ngayon na nakaabot kami ng top 3 nang di pa namin nilalabas lahat nung mga baraha po namin.”
Blacklist will continue to be a team to watch out for in the playoffs with Sensui on their side.
