Philippine-based esports organization Blacklist International has formally announced its entry to the Apex Legends esports scene.
In an announcement posted on its social media, Blacklist International announced the hiring of 2R1C (2 Rats 1 Controller), a European Apex Legends squad.
The team is composed of captain Filipe “Hiarka” Morgado from Portugal, Jose “Uxako” Llosa from Spain, and Niki “Mysi” Piira from Finland.
Jansen “tur0gh-” Siqueira from Brazil will serve as Blacklist Apex’s head coach, while German/Turkish player and content creator Can “Taisheen” Öztürk is expected to create content for the newly-minted squad.
This is the first foray of Blacklist International into the Apex Legends competitive scene, as well as their first hiring of players from Europe.
“With the signing of 2R1C, an exciting squad from Europe, we’ll be making our debut with a battle-tested team ready to compete with the best in the world,” Blacklist International said in the statement.
Blacklist International has been the home of mostly MOBA games, such as their M3 World Champion and 3-time MPL Philippines champion squad for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and their recently-refreshed Dota 2 squad, Blacklist Rivalry.
Blacklist International is one of 30 teams selected for the Esports World Cup Club Support Program, which gives teams a one-time six-figure stipend if an organization is willing to enter new esports as well as additional funding each year if they drive viewership and fan engagement to the Esports World Cup. They are also the only Philippines-based organization that got access to the said club support program.
“The Club Support Program is critical to the EWC Foundation’s vision of building a stronger esports ecosystem and elevating esports as global sports,” Esports World Cup foundation CEO Ralf Reichert earlier said.
Blacklist International Apex will suit up for competition at the ALGS 2024: Split 2 Pro League in June.
