Two key players that defined two generations of Blacklist International MLBB esports have announced their departure from the Codebreakers.
Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Kenneth Carl “Yue” Tadeo have said they are leaving the black-and-white after several MPL Philippines seasons.
OhMyV33nus: “Home is the name I’ve built for myself”
(Screengrab from Facebook/OhMyV33nus)
At around 2:00am Manila time, OhMyV33nus posted a cryptic Facebook post announcing she had left both Tier One Entertainment and Blacklist International.
The reason, she says, is that she feels “at this point in life right now I know already there’s something more than this, a higher version of me deep within me. More than I’ve ever accomplished.”
“2am thoughts. As usual, I’m still awake until now, having trouble sleeping. It’s usually at this time that you really start thinking about the random things in life, right? I just remembered a few years ago when Wise and I were going through a big transition, I had similar thoughts. I was more anxious then, and I even posted, “Who is OHMYV33NUS without Onic?” Now, at the same time, 2am again, I have the same thoughts: Who is OHMYV33NUS without Blacklist?”
The Queen referenced her and Danerie James “Wise” del Rosario’s move to Blacklist International after a few seasons with what is now Fnatic ONIC Philippines.
It has been a phenomenal ride since then. The VeeWise tandem had won the M3 World Championship in 2021 and carried Blacklist International to three MPL Philippines titles (Season 7, Season 8 and Season 10). They’ve also represented the Philippines as part of its national esports team SIBOL and won gold medals in regional Mobile Legends: Bang Bang action.
Most recently, she and Wise have also dabbled in businesses outside of their pro player careers, having created the VeeWise sari-sari store which sells various VeeWise merchandise, including their own spin on a local delicacy called bagoong alamang or sauteed shrimp paste.
After Season 11 though, VeeWise took a break from the competitive MLBB scene and did not play in both Season 12 and in the just-concluded Season 13.
OhMyV33nus ended her statement, saying, “Each team and esports org I’ve worked with before, I’ve always considered them as my home. But I realized Home is where I go. Home is anyone who cares about me. Home is the name I’ve built for myself: OHMYV33NUS. I’ve always got me, and I will never be afraid no matter where life would take me.”
Yue: “BLCK Yue officially signing off.”
(Photo from Facebook/Yue)
For his part, Yue, who was one of the newer additions to the Blacklist International, confirmed his departure also in a Facebook post.
“Today I am formally announcing that I am leaving Blacklist International. Thank you to Blacklist because I know I’ve grown there as a player,” Yue said.
The reason, Yue says, is for him to experience something new and to develop his skills as a pro MLBB midlaner.
“But this time, I want to experience a different environment and further develop myself. I want to experience things outside my comfort zone. A huge thank you to all the Blacklist Agents who have supported me from season 11 to 13,” Yue said in the same post.
At the same time, Blacklist International confirmed that Yue had indeed left the team, saying, “His mechanical prowess and deadly mindset in-game juxtaposed with his joyful demeanor outside made him a memorable member of the team. His game would catapult his name alongside the best of the best, going toe-to-toe with giants in his rookie year.”
This could not be truer, as the rookie immediately debuted in the M5 World Championship, helping Blacklist International secure a third place finish in the world stage after thwarting a resurgent Deus Vult.
“We can’t wait to see your next tricks, Midlane Magician. Best of luck, and GGWP!” Blacklist ended its brief statement.
It is noticeable, though, that the team confirmed Yue’s departure first, with the OhMyV33nus confirmation still yet to be announced.
What’s next for Blacklist International?
Most likely after the conclusion of the 2024 Mid-Season Cup, the rumors and roster changes will take place following who will win the biggest esports event for MLBB in its seven-year history.
This means, roles and stars who will likely represent Blacklist International can be found to replace the slots left by OhMyV33nus and Yue.
Among them, Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse, who may consider a return following his Season 12 break.
It is also unclear if Wise will also join Vee in leaving the black-and-white, as the two’s performances are inextricably linked together.
For now, all that Blacklist fans can hope – and wait – is to see who will now carry the Codebreakers’ legacy as the world awaits if the team can bag one more championship to its already storied history.