The Riyadh Masters Closed Qualifier for Southeast Asia has concluded, producing two victorious teams. The first to qualify was the regional powerhouse Aurora, a predictable outcome. However, Blacklist International's qualification for Riyadh Masters was a surprising and intriguing victory for many fans, especially considering their internal conflict and what was labeled as their «last hurrah».
Blacklist International Finds a Successful «Last Hurrah»
Blacklist International, known as the Filipino redemption team, boasts an all-star lineup from the region. With notable names like Abed «Abed» Yusop, Kim «Gabbi» Santos, and Timothy John «TIMS» Randrup on their roster, the team attracts a significant following both locally and internationally. However, their recent rise to fame wasn't solely due to their reputation.
On May 15, two members of Blacklist International, Gabbi and Abed, were reportedly involved in an internal conflict that escalated to physical assault. This incident was later confirmed by the CEO of Blacklist International, who disclosed that both players were heavily fined. He also stated that they have since calmed down and agreed to continue playing together under Blacklist International.
Despite the team staying intact, the CEO mentioned that the Riyadh Masters qualifier would be their «last hurrah», raising many questions among fans and supporters curious about their performance in this significant event. In a victorious Lower Bracket run, Blacklist International defeated Talon Esports 2-1 to secure the second and final slot in the Riyadh Masters SEA Closed Qualifier.
Riyadh Masters Starts July 4
The $5 million Riyadh Masters will take place from July 4 to July 21. This extensive event is part of the massive multi-title Esports World Cup. A total of twenty teams will gather in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a high-stake, high-profile competition. With Blacklist International's qualification, there are now ten confirmed teams for Riyadh Masters.