"We're looking at another championship." : Blacklist International, MPL-PH S7 Champs

WHILE the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines Season 7 only ended last week, the winning teams are already gearing into action for their next major challenge – the MLBB Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2021. We had a quick chat with the winners of MPL-PH S7, Blacklist International, to ask them a few questions about their performance at the tournament.

For most of you, this was your first time winning the MPL-PH trophy – what’s the best part about seeing your hard work finally pay off?

The team: The best part is knowing that it doesn’t stop here, we’re excited for what’s in store for our careers, and we’re looking at another championship.

Any messages to your doubters?

OhMyV33nus: I don’t have a message for them, but I have a message for myself instead: Just keep believing in yourself, OhMyV33nus. Let your success speak for itself.

Did you know you were going to win the tournament at the beginning of the final day?

The team: Yes, because we know we are so prepared. Our training is set to win a championship.

The grand final was pretty close, going all the way to the final game – do you think it could have ended in Execration’s favour?

The team: When we saw Execration’s draft in Game 7, we knew we got the championship. We were really tired that time, but Execration seemed like they lost their focus (maybe because they were really exhausted also) and made an opening for us to pick our winning lineup.

What do you think was the key to the team’s success this tournament?

The team: Preparation, friendship, healthy support system from our esports backend team.

Does Aldous need to be nerfed? If so, how?

Wise: No, because Aldous is already a balanced hero.

How do you feel about the current meta/patch and should anything be changed before MSC?

The team: Hopefully none will be changed since the schedule of MPL-PH Season 7 Playoffs is very close to MSC 2021. There is very limited time to practice.

What does the team plan to do with the prize money?

The team: Reward ourselves, buy things we wouldn’t usually buy. In Wise’s famous words, “Bumili ng mga hindi kailangan.” A splurge once in a while wouldn’t hurt if we know our limits and continue to be financially responsible in our everyday lives.

MSC 2021 is starting next week – is the team practising already or are you taking a break because MPL-PH just ended?

The team: We’re practicing already. No slacking off.

Which teams are you looking forward to facing at MSC 2021? Who will be your toughest opponent?

The team: We look forward to facing Indonesian teams because they are the usual rivals of Philippine teams when it comes to these kinds of international competitions.

Have you been playing/scrimming with the other regions? In your opinion, what’s the major difference between PH MLBB and them?

The team: Yes, we have done scrims with almost all of the teams in MSC. The difference between PH MLBB and other regions is we have our own meta and it can be considered as our major advantage.

Lastly, any messages for your fans?

The team: To our Blacklist Agents (our community of fans), thank you for your overwhelming support through thick and thin. Let’s continue being the change we want to see in the esports community.