Blacklist International Reflects on Performance at Esports World Cup 2024

This article was written in partnership with Blacklist International

As the grand spectacle of the Esports World Cup 2024 in Riyadh came to a close, Southeast Asian powerhouse Blacklist International took a moment to reflect on their performance and the journey they embarked upon during this prestigious event. Despite their rigorous preparation and high hopes, the team concluded the tournament with a 15th-16th place finish. While this outcome was not as triumphant as anticipated, it has offered invaluable insights into their strategic approach and the various factors that influenced their performance.

Blacklist International's preparation for the World Cup was nothing short of meticulous. Central to their efforts was a collaboration with Predator Gaming, the team's official PC partner. In an exclusive interview, team members and their coach provided an in-depth look at their journey, strategies, and the crucial role that Predator Orion 7000 technology played in their campaign.

Blacklist International entered the tournament with a disciplined and strategic preparation regimen, reflecting the intensity of the competition. "We practice every day as a team and strive to improve continuously," said star midlaner Abed "Abed" Yusop, the team’s midlaner. This relentless practice schedule was bolstered by strategic adaptations to the ever-evolving game meta. "Our strategy evolves with each new patch. When certain heroes get stronger, we adjust our tactics accordingly," he added.

The team’s preparation extended beyond daily scrimmages and public matches. A significant portion of their time was dedicated to analyzing their gameplay and studying that of their competitors. "We stay disciplined, and I watch a lot of Dota on behalf of the team," explained coach Kim "DuBu" Doo-young. This meticulous approach ensured that Blacklist International remained at the forefront of the competitive Dota 2 landscape.

Building synergy among team members was another crucial aspect of their preparation. “The key has really been trusting each member of the team to contribute to our evolving gameplay,” said Timothy "TIMS" Randrup. This trust and collaboration were fundamental in evolving their gameplay and maintaining a competitive edge.

Central to their rigorous training sessions was the reliability of advanced technology provided by their collaboration with Predator Gaming, the team's official PC partner. Abed emphasized the importance of top-tier tech, stating, "It's very important to have top-tier tech to make sure that it's reliable because it really impacts our performance." The Predator Orion 7000, with its state-of-the-art specifications, ensured the team experienced minimal disruptions, allowing them to concentrate fully on honing their skills.

This seamless performance was further highlighted by the Predator Orion 7000's ability to deliver smooth graphics rendering and reduced input lag. Abed elaborated on the benefits, stating, "After using the Predator Gaming PC, I noticed smoother graphics rendering and reduced input lag, which allowed me to react faster and more accurately during intense matches." In the high-stakes environment of esports, such responsiveness is crucial, where split-second decisions can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Adding to the team's advantage, Coach DuBu highlighted the ergonomic design of Predator's monitors. He noted, "I watch a lot of Dota for long periods of time, so the smoothness of Predator’s monitors really helps me." The ability to spend extended hours analyzing gameplay without discomfort speaks volumes about the thoughtful design of Predator's equipment, ensuring that even the longest sessions remained productive and comfortable.

The consistent performance of Predator Gaming hardware was another significant factor for the team. Kim "Gabbi" Santos praised this reliability, saying, "Using Predator Orion 7000 gives high performance so I can train Dota worry-free." This unwavering performance allowed players to focus solely on their gameplay, without the distraction of technical issues, thereby leading to more effective practice sessions and improved overall performance.

Jaunuel emphasized the importance of consistency provided by Predator Orion 7000. "It's important to have consistency like what the Predator Orion 7000 provides. Every time I boot up Dota 2 and feel the smoothness of it, Predator Gaming’s technology just makes me feel motivated to go into every match."

The seamless integration of Predator Gaming’s technology into their training was pivotal during critical moments. "I have sensitive eyes, so having the Predator's monitor made sure that I have no problem gaming for long sessions," said John "Natsumi-" Vargas. TIMS appreciated the ergonomic design of Predator monitors, stating, "Their monitor's adjustability makes sure that I can play at the perfect distance and height during my tournament run."

The team's qualification for the Esports World Cup was significantly supported by Predator Gaming’s hardware. "Predator's support gave us assurance that we can perform at a high level to qualify for the Esports World Cup," Abed noted. The powerful GPUs and high-refresh-rate monitors provided by Predator were essential in enhancing gameplay experience and performance during the qualifiers.

The team also shared valuable advice for aspiring Dota 2 players, underscoring the importance of investing in high-quality gaming equipment. "Never pay for low-quality gaming equipment. Invest in high-quality to get the best out of yourself and bring out the best performance," said DuBu. Echoing this sentiment, Gabbi added, "Invest in good high-quality gaming equipment so you won't have to worry about performance for years to come."

Jaunuel, reflecting on his journey, shared his personal experience, emphasizing the difference that quality equipment makes. He said, "I used to play with cheap gaming equipment, but with high-quality gaming equipment, I saw the worth and importance of good quality gaming technology. Reliable equipment ensures that you can focus on improving your skills without worrying about technical issues."

Abed, reiterating the team's philosophy, stressed the importance of reliability and performance. "Having high-quality gaming equipment is essential so you have good performance to rely on. It’s not just about playing better, but also about having the confidence that your gear won’t let you down in crucial moments," he said.

Finally, Natsumi- emphasized comfort and longevity as key factors for sustained success. "Make sure you go with high-quality and comfortable gaming equipment so you can grind Dota 2 more effectively. It's an investment in your future performance and success," he added.

Finally, the team expressed their gratitude to their fans. "Thank you all for your support! Cheer for us at the Esports World Cup 2024!" said Abed. TIMS echoed this sentiment, "Thank you for always staying behind us. See you all at the Esports World Cup 2024!"

Jaunuel added a heartfelt message, "Thank you for supporting us. We hope to make you all proud. Whether you're a fan or a hater, your dedication fuels our drive to succeed. We look forward to delivering our best performances and making this journey worthwhile for all of you."

Gabbi also conveyed his appreciation. "Whether you're a fan or hater, thank you for your never-ending dedication. Your support means the world to us, and we will continue to strive for excellence to make you proud."

Despite the setback, Blacklist International remains committed to their pursuit of excellence. The experience gained from the Esports World Cup 2024 will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future growth and success. Their journey, marked by rigorous preparation, strategic evolution, and reliance on cutting-edge technology, highlights the relentless dedication required to compete at the highest level of Dota 2 esports. As they regroup and refine their strategies, the team continues to embody the spirit of resilience and innovation, promising an exciting future in the competitive landscape.