Blacklist International gained massive momentum heading to the MPL Philippines Season 7 as it trampled on Execration, 3-1, in the grand finals to snare back-to-back championships in the Juicy Legends Tournament Pro Division on Sunday night.
Spearheaded by "The Queen" Johnmar "OhMyV33NUS" Villaluna, Blacklist clawed its way back from an opening game defeat and cruised to three straight wins to capture its second title in the stacked tourney backed by Juicy Lemon soda.
The professional team of local esports giant Tier One Entertainment previously ruled the Qute Legends Tournament last December.
After rookie Mark "Kelra" Pillas' Brody helped Execration draw first blood in the series, Blacklist retaliated in Game 2 behind the Alice of its own greenhorn Kiel "Oheb" Soriano together with the Franco of veteran tank Jayson "ESON" Gerardo, who came up with crucial hooks.
OhMyV33NUS then got his Estes in Game 3 and powered the team's come-from-behind 17-16 win in 13 minutes. With all the sustain he provided in team fights, V33NUS finished with 14 assists against only two deaths.
The charismatic mage/support once again secured Estes in the title-clinching Game 4 and joined forces with his longtime teammate Danerie James "Wise" Del Rosario who wreaked havoc with Roger to seal the 14-10 victory in 13 minutes.
Edward "Edward" Dapadap's Kagura was also instrumental with the magic burst in the series closer.
Blacklist, which also has coach Kristoffer "BON CHAN" Ricaplaza and veteran sixth man Dexter "DEX STAR" Alaba, avenged its 2-1 loss to Execration in the upper bracket finals after taking down Aura PH, 2-1, in the lower bracket finals.
Despite suffering a losing streak in the group stage, OhMyV33NUS and the crew managed to get their acts together and make it to the winner's bracket where they beat MPL newcomer Work Auster Force, 2-1.
Blacklist is surely pumped up going to Moonton's professional league which will fire off on Friday, March 19.
The team is set to face Season 6 runner-up and M2 participant Smart Omega, Just ML Cup winner Execration, Nexplay Solid and qualifier Laus Playbook Esports in Group B.
Blacklist will play its season debut against Aura on Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, Team Payaman Boss edged out Pegasus Knights, 3-2, to rule the Juicy Legends Tournament Contenders' Division.