End of an era: Blacklist International leaves Mobile Legends scene

MANILA, Philippines — Blacklist International on Tuesday announced its departure from the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) Philippines.

“Though we believe in the future of the MLBB community, with a heavy heart, we bid a bittersweet farewell to the Blacklist MLBB men’s team, as the organization has decided to transfer our MPL Franchise Ownership to a new organization for MPL season 15. This difficult decision was made in response to the business opportunity that was presented to us which aligns with the new direction of Tier One Entertainment to go beyond Esports,” Blacklist said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

Considered as one of the strongest teams in MPL Philippines history, Blacklist has cemented its legacy in the Mobile Legends scene with three MPL trophies as well as three consecutive M-series appearances. 

The team first competed in MPL Philippines back in 2020 and won its first title in Season 7, with MLBB duo "V33Wise", Johnmar "OhMyV33nus" Villaluna and Danerie "Wise" Del Rosario heading the roster.

Though finishing second in that year’s MSC (then Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup), the Codebreakers proved doubters wrong by winning back-to-back MPL Philippines titles, reigning triumphant in Season 8 to book a ticket to the M3 World Championship.

Heading to the world stage as a tournament favorite, Blacklist saw a tough road to the trophy after suffering an upset against North America’s BloodThirstyKings (BTK). But the squad then went on a six-series winning streak, taking down ONIC Philippines to lift the M3 trophy. 

The team, however, had slow start in 2023, suffering an early elimination in MPL Philippines Season 9. But it came back stronger in Season 10, making history as the first team to win three MPL Philippines titles.

In a message to their fans, Blacklist thanked every single Agent for their support the past five years, adding that it hopes to return to the Mobile Legends scene in the future. 

But for now, the team said it will focus on its current squads in other esports titles. 

“As one story ends, so begins another. Regardless of the future, we will always be proud of our past, and the stories that we had together will remain in our hearts forever,” added Blacklist.