The Southeast Asian Dota 2 scene suffers another blow as Blacklist International bids farewell to their Dota 2 division after a disappointing season. This news comes as a surprise, especially considering the potential of Blacklist to be one of the top teams in the SEA region.
Blacklist International signs off from Dota 2 Esports (Image credit: Blacklist International)
Blacklist International Disbands Their Dota 2 Division
Blacklist International made the announcement of disbanding their Dota 2 division, which was in partnership with Rivalry for the past two years. Despite their accomplishments, including appearances at ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, Elite League Season 1, and Riyadh Masters 2024, the decision to disband is a significant development for the team.
- John “Natsumi-” Vargas
- Abed “Abed” Yusop
- Kim “Gabbi” Santos
- Timothy John “TIMS” Randrup
- Jaunuel “Jaunuel” Arcilla
These players formed a formidable line-up representing the SEA region, consistently qualifying for regional events. Despite their achievements, the team’s potential seemed to go unfulfilled, particularly with star players such as Abed, Gabbi, and Tims on the roster.
After two years of working with Rivalry to bring Blacklist to the Dota scene, this chapter of our history is coming to a close.
Our redemption story has been followed by the community in all our ups and downs. From the first version of our squad when we brought together the… pic.twitter.com/nJa4nDXuLT
— BLACKLIST INTERNATIONAL (@BLACKLISTINTL) September 18, 2024
The Future of Blacklist International’s Dota 2 Roster
Despite the disbandment, the fate of Blacklist International’s Dota 2 roster remains uncertain. With talents like Abed, Gabbi, and Tims, the players have a history of success at major championships. The team had already qualified for PGL Wallachia Season 2 before the disbandment, hinting at a possible reformation under a new organization.
As the SEA Dota 2 scene faces challenges, Blacklist International’s departure is a reminder of the competitive landscape in the region. Hopefully, the upcoming season will bring forth stronger SEA teams to challenge the likes of Aurora, the top-performing team from the International 2024.
