Blacklist International, the Filipino all-star Dota 2 team, remains committed to the game despite the uncertainty surrounding the competitive scene. The team has recently added three new players to its roster, signaling a fresh start and a promising future.
The team’s latest additions include Abed Yusop, Kim “Gabbi” Santos, and Carlo Manalo. This move comes after Blacklist International’s previous attempt to build a Southeast Asian Filipino super team for the Dota Pro Circuit fell short of expectations. The team failed to qualify for TI 2023, prompting a major roster overhaul.
Abed Yusop, formerly of Shopify Rebellion, became available for recruitment when half of his previous team’s roster was released. Gabbi, who briefly played for Entity during their TI 2023 campaign, also joined Blacklist International. Carlo Manalo, coming from Execration, adds his skills to the team as well.
With these new additions, Blacklist International is now preparing to compete in the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 qualifiers. The team will face tough competition in the SEA region, with multiple formidable teams vying for a single qualifier spot in the tournament.
Typically, Dota 2 teams would have a couple of months to prepare for a new season. However, with the changing competitive landscape, the new competitive year starts much earlier. This has led to some teams, like Team Spirit, withdrawing from tournaments due to player health concerns. Other organizations are scrambling to finalize their rosters in time for the open qualifiers.
| Date | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 10, 2023 | Blacklist International roster changes | New players added: Abed Yusop, Kim “Gabbi” Santos, Carlo Manalo |
| Nov. 11, 2023 | ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 qualifiers | Blacklist International to compete for a single qualifier spot |
Source: DOTESPORTS
