Blacklist International calls for unity amidst '10 Greatest Players' discussion

Blacklist International has called for unity within the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang community amidst the discussion about the '10 Greatest Players' in history of M Series that game publisher Moonton Games will celebrate during the country's hosting of M5 World Championship in December.

The discussion stemmed from the non-inclusion of Blacklist veteran roamer Johnmar "OhMyV33Nus" Villaluna, jungler Danerie "Wise" Del Rosario, and gold laner Kiel "Oheb" Soriano in the '10 Greatest Players' nominees from the Philippines.

On October 28, Moonton announced the nominee list that has Bennyqt, Ribo, Pheww, KarlTzy, Yawi, and the other core of Blacklist in Hadji and Edward. Prior to that, Moonton also released the criteria for the said awards, which included non-participation in any illegal activities such as promotion and solicitation. The criteria also includes past appearance in a world championship, M series achievements, contribution to MLBB esports in the region, and influence on social platforms.

OhMyV33Nus and Wise recently inked a partnership with a sports betting platform, making them ineligible for the milestone awards and causing clamors from their fans. 

Still, the team's management said the non-inclusion should not be a cause for division in the community. 

"In a time where we should be looking forward to tournaments like the MPLI and M5, or celebrating the achievements of great players across the world, it is unfortunate that we are now more divided than ever," Blacklist said in a statement on Thursday. 

However, Blacklist also claimed there was a lack of communication for the said awards.

"The discussion around The Greatest 10 Players has become a source of negativity in the community. While we respect the decisions behind creating the initial list, we believe there has been a lack of communication and recognition for some of the game's best players," Blacklist added. 

"Even though the criteria for the list was announced, inconsistent implementation and lack of communication only created more confusion and misunderstanding."

Still, Blacklist stressed that VeeWise and Oheb deserve spots in the list for their contribution to MLBB. The trio was crucial in steering Blacklist to MPL titles in Season 7, 8, and 10 while also propelling the squad to the M3 World Championship throne where Oheb was hailed the Finals MVP. 

"To VeeWise and Kiel: Regardless of any lists, videos, or sentiments--nobody can take away your achievements. To us, you will always be remembered as some of the greatest players we've ever seen in Mobile Legends."

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News