Reigning champion Blacklist International takes on Smart Omega in MPL playoffs opener

Blacklist International will look to keep its title defense bid going when it takes on Smart Omega in the first round of the MPL Philippines Season 11 playoffs on May 4 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The winner of the match will face top seed Bren Esports in the upper bracket while the loser will be eliminated from contention. RSG Slate Philippines and Onic Philippines, meanwhile will clash in the other bracket with the winner setting up an upper bracket date with number two seed Echo.

All series will be in a best-of-five series except for the grand finals, which will be played in a best-of-seven format.

MPL organizers are expecting an influx of big crowds as 2,000 offline spectators are tipped to fill the venue from May 4 to 7.

The six competing teams are vying to take home the coveted title and the lion's share of the prize worth USD 150,000. This season's champion and the runner-up will also get to represent the country in the MSC 2023 slated in June in Cambodia.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News