With its dynamic duo Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario taking a brief hiatus, the M3 World Champions Blacklist International has had to revamp its roster for the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines (PH) Season 9. The new lineup features the return of Mark Jayson “ESON” Gerardo from its reserves and the addition of Origen Esports pro player Kent Xavier “KEVIER” Lopez. Head coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza and analyst Dexter Louise “DEX STAR” Alaba will still be spearheading the five-man team in the upcoming MPL PH Season 9.
Despite the unavailability of two of its core members, Blacklist International has signed a solid lineup with its new member KEVIER. The pro player is a former member of Origen Esports who won the Juicy Legends Tournament 2021 Q4 Contender's Division. While this is Kevin’s first MPL season, the pro player has shown promise in local mobile legends esports events in the Philippines.
The star trio Edward “EDWARD” Jay Dapadap, Salic “Hadji” Imam, Kiel “OHEB” Soriano who have been collecting multiple MVP titles since MPL PH Season 7, remain in the main roster along with ESON who is now back in the starting lineup. Hadji will be filling the role of OhMyV33nus as the team captain in the upcoming MPL PH Season 9.
While DEX STAR will serve as the team’s analyst, he will also serve as the team’s reliable 6th man. Blacklist International also revealed that assistant coach Aniel "MASTER THE BASICS" Jiandani who has been assisting the team since MPL Invitational 2021 and the M3 World Championship will be continuing his tenure with the team.
The full roster and their respective roles are as follows;
HADJI - Support/Mid Lane
EDWARD - Exp Lane
OHEB - Gold Lane
KEVIER - Jungle Lane
ESON - Support
DEX STAR - 6th Man/ Analyst
BON CHAN - Head Coach
MASTER THE BASICS - Assistant Coach
The stakes are high for Blacklist International. However, with HADJI’s exceptional flexibility in playing multiple roles and the addition of the promising rookie KEVIER, the defending champions may just have what it takes to defend its title in the upcoming MPL PH Season 9.