Globe Telecom is throwing its support behind the most engaging and current defending world champion for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) team in Philippine esports – another step towards bolstering its commitment to elevate competitive online gaming in the country and bring Filipino gamers to the global stage.
The telco giant announced its sponsorship of Blacklist International (BLCK), a Filipino team that has brought home multiple international titles from their dominant run in last year’s Mobile Legends tournament, the most popular mobile multiplayer online battle arena played in the Philippines. The team is determined to conquer this year’s competitions as well.
Blacklist International is the defending back-to-back Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPL-PH) champions, and the defending World Champion. Further showcasing their dominance in the field, the Tier One Entertainment backed esports team also reaped runner-up finishes in the Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup and the Mobile Legends Professional League Invitational. They are also slated to represent the country in the upcoming 2022 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, in May.
The 2022 Blacklist International MLBB team is headed by 2021 Most Valuable Players Edward Jay “Edward” Dapadap and Salic “Hadji” Inam, alongside them are Kiel Calvin "OHEB'' Soriano, Mark Jayson Alag "ESON" Gerardo, Kent Xavier "KEVIER" Lopez, and Dexter Louise "DEXSTAR" Alaba. The squad for season 9 will be guided by coach Kristoffer Ed "BON CHAN" Ricaplaza. OhMyV33NUS and Wise are still part of Blacklist International but will be on break this MPL Season 9 as they focus more on content creation. The duo will be back with a vengeance for Season 10, as they set their sights on another championship and the chance to defend their world title.
“Globe is very excited to partner with the defending Philippines and World Mobile Legends Champions, Blacklist International. Their passion, dedication and competitive spirit is also what Globe embodies as a brand. With this partnership, we aim to further cater to our MLBB users as they now have a team to cheer and support in the upcoming tournaments.” said Ralph Aligada, head of Globe Games and sports.
Tryke Gutierrez, CEO of Tier One Entertainment added that “We are grateful for this Globe Telecom sponsorship and excited to be working with them to bring Blacklist International to more viewers than ever. It is humbling to have such a big name brand back us after our year of hard work winning all those championships. We will endeavor to carry this momentum, as well as the fans’ support, throughout the rest of the year.”
In sponsoring the team, Globe also hopes to continue to expand the esports ecosystem and inspire more investments into the industry to further accelerate its growth. Under its #PlayItRight advocacy, Globe continues to pioneer initiatives that help shape the country’s rising competitive esports industry and create professional standards for present and future Filipino gamers.