Blacklist International Announces Departure from Dota 2
Published: Sep 18, 2024
Southeast Asian esports organization Blacklist International has announced its departure from Dota 2 in a new announcement. Revealed on the morning of Sep. 18 via social post, Blacklist announced that it would be ceasing their Dota 2 operation, and allow its roster to explore other options.
The departure ends a two-year legacy for the team that saw the organization compete as one of the best in the SEA region. Typically finishing at the top of regional qualifiers, although finding little international success, Blacklist were a perennial contender for SEA.
Blacklist also operated under the banner of Blacklist Rivalry, and had an extended partnership with Canada-based betting operator Rivalry. This collaboration started at the inception of the organization and continued throughout.
“After two years of working with Rivalry to bring Blacklist to the Dota scene, this chapter of our history is coming to a close” stated the announcement.
“No one can deny that Blacklist Rivalry fought hard to fulfill the mission. Whether you love us or hate us, one thing is for sure: you followed us throughout this journey. And for that, we are thankful.”
Blacklist International was operated by Tier One Entertainment, a Philippines-based entertainment and gaming label and talent agency.
Blacklist’s departure from the SEA Dota scene continues an unfortunate trend for the region. Despite SEA’s seeming fanaticism for the game (with SEA-centric broadcasts showing huge growth during TI13), organizations have struggled to maintain their hold in the region.
Legacy organizations like Geek Fam/Geek Slate and Fnatic’s Dota division departed the scene over the last 18 months, while Team SMG appears to be dormant. This leaves the likes of BOOM Esports, Talon, Bleed, and Execration to carry the flag for the whole region. And with no formal Valve-supported leagues, SEA relies on usually low numbers tournament invites and qualifiers to maintain their spot.
Unfortunately, it’s a trend that’s likely to continue unless the SEA region can find a more viable way to support its Dota 2 scene.
