MPL Caster Mirko Thinks Blacklist Sibol Might Struggle in the 31st SEA Games

Handy “Mirko” Loho, one of the popular casters of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League (MPL) Indonesia (ID), recently shared his thoughts regarding Blacklist International’s roster for the 31st Southeast Asia (SEA) Games. Through one of his livestreams, he explained how the two rookies may affect the team’s overall performance against other regions’ veteran players. Mirko also expressed how Jonmar "OhMyV33NUS" Villaluna and Danerie "Wise" James Del Rosario’s inactivity during the MPL Philippines (PH) Season 9 could affect their gameplay, especially with the new meta. However, the caster also explained that being too active in the esports scene may also burn out other regions’ veteran players.

Mirko explains his doubts regarding Blacklist International’s roster for the SEA Games

The V33Wise duo comprises the most iconic pro players in the MLBB esports scene. The dynamic duo spearheaded their team into acquiring back-to-back MPL PH championship titles and won the M3 World Championship. It did not come as a surprise for fans when OhMyV33NUS and Wise decided to take a break and skip the MPL PH Season 9.

For the MPL ID caster, Mirko, the V33Wise duo may be contenders to be the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T) in the MLBB esports scene. However, their brief hiatus may pose a problem for the team, especially with the massive shift in the meta of MLBB.

“Staying active is so important in competitive esports. Sure, they have most probably been active in scrims… Obviously, they put in so much work to get into this,” stated Mirko.

Mirko added that the dynamic duo’s decision to skip one MPL season may “give other countries with more active players the edge.”

This short break may also be a good way for the duo to refresh and mentally prepare for the 31st SEA Games. “In one side, in one perspective, you can say that… ‘maybe we’re not as sharp as the other players’... or, it could be like a fresh start for them, maybe the other players are burnt out,” explained Mirko.

The MPL caster further elaborated that the other SEA Games representatives “have been playing everything up to this point. They’ve been practicing for SEA Games while playing in the MPL, while [scrimmaging] with other teams as well, that might [lead them to] be burnt out.”

However, he still believes that a team or a player who stays active in esports events can deliver more consistent performances. Mirko added that “I would actually put [the] Philippines as Number 1 if they had OHEB [Kiel Calvin Q. Soriano] and EDWARD [Edward Jay Dapadap].”

OHEB and EDWARD could not join the squad for the 31st SEA Games due to being underaged. To compensate, Blacklist International welcomed the two rookies Howard “Owl” Gonzales and Dominic “Dominic” Soto.

Despite the promising performance delivered by Owl and Dominic during the Sibol qualifiers Mirko said, “I don’t know how they’re gonna perform against international teams. Because, again, I’ve never seen them in an International Tournament.”

Despite his skepticism regarding Blacklist International’s roster for the 31st SEA Games, Mirko thinks it’s too early to judge the Filipino representatives. He also asked fans to not hate on their representatives if they fail to meet expectations.

“If your team loses, don’t hate on them,” stated Mirko. “They gave their best, they’re training literally every day, 12 hours probably, and everyone wants to bring gold for their country.”

The 31st SEA Games MLBB event will kick off on 18th May and will start off with a match between the Philippines and Malaysia. It will be interesting to see which of these regions will take home the Gold Medal for the MLBB event.