Blacklist Rivalry boys finally started 2024 with a bang as they grabbed their first Dota 2 major trophy at the Asia Pacific Predator League in Manila, Philippines, last evening. They faced off against their fellow countrymen, Execration, in the grand final, and it was one for the books. The Filipino Pride showed off their A-game throughout the tournament, going undefeated with a flawless 7-0 record from the group stage to the grand final.
In the showdown against Execration, Blacklist’s captain, Abed “Abed” Yusop, went berserk with Dragon Knight in Game 1, leading the charge with an insane 36-16 kill count. Even though Execration tried to make a comeback after the first Roshan, they couldn’t stop The Agents’ late-game rampage. Abed, along with teammates Raven and Tims, sealed the deal in a 42-minute showdown.
Game 2 wasn’t any different. Blacklist kept up the pressure, driven by Marc “Raven” Fausto’s Luna and Kim “Gabbi” Santos’ Naga Siren. The kill count was closer this time, but Execration couldn’t break free. Despite a solid effort from Jinn “Palos” Lamatao with Lina, a Roshan fight around the 31-minute mark turned the tide definitively. Raven went on a killing spree, and Execration had no chance. The series was in the bag for Blacklist in just 37 minutes.
This epic win scored Blacklist the grand prize of US$65,000 and their first-ever APAC title. But there’s no time for a long celebration because they’ve got another critical battle today to lock in their spot in DreamLeague Season 22. Let the games continue!
