PHILIPPINE esports is shaping up to be a force to reckon with across the globe. With the local gaming market growing rapidly, Filipino esports athletes have started to gain recognition in the international gaming scene, achieving winning streaks in some of the most prestigious tournaments worldwide. Standing at the forefront of this global success is the OPPO-sponsored esports team Blacklist International (BLI), the team set to represent the Philippines in the third installment of the Mobile Legends World Championships (M3 World Championship) this month.
BLI is the back-to-back defending champion of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) in the Philippines. Securing Season 7 and 8 titles in 2021, they are the second team in MPL Philippines’ history to win two consecutive times. Earlier this month, the team reached a new milestone when they placed second at the MPL Invitational, wherein 20 of the top MPL teams across Southeast Asia were invited to battle out for a $100,000 prize pool.
“Blacklist International has always aimed at taking Philippine esports to unimaginable heights on a global scale. We extend our utmost gratitude to everyone who has shown their support, especially OPPO, who have seen the great potential of the BLI members to continue the battle. OPPO’s entry into the esports league has greatly helped professional players like us to dream bigger and fight harder,” said Bon Chan, Coach of Blacklist International.
Many Filipinos are thrilled to see BLI play in front of a wider audience at the M3 World Championship as one of the two Philippine representatives. While this will be their first-ever world championship appearance, the team has promised to give their best in winning back-to-back crowns after PH team Bren Esports had bagged the world title in M2 World Championships.