Alodia Gosiengfiao, Tryke Gutierrez take pride in Blacklist-Rivalry Dota 2 team
Tier One Entertainment executive Alodia Gosiengfiao couldn't help but look back on their humble beginnings now that e-sports has become popular in the country.
At the media conference she and her business partner Tryke Gutierrez prepared for their Dota 2 Team recently, the celebrity cosplayer-turned-businesswoman shared a quote they've held on to when they were just starting in the industry of online games.
“Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you. In the beginning, that dream was to help fellow gamers create a career and pursue their passion in this industry,” she said.
“Because it wasn't easy back then 10 years ago, we had to fight with our parents to show what we actually do to the people, to our loved ones, that this can actually be a career.
“But, fast forward to today, we've met a lot of people who share the same vision. Now, our dream is becoming a reality and, actually, exceeding my expectations.
“So, our deepest gratitude to those who believed in the esports scene; our brand, Blacklist International, which we started a couple of years ago. Before no one knew what it was, but recently, some people… It's very heartwarming when people come out to you and say, 'Oh, we're fans of Blacklist International.' I feel that they're our babies.
Likewise, Tryke recalled how some people were criticizing them for putting up a business that involved esports.
He related, “When we co-founded Tier One back in 2017, people were saying, 'Why put up talent management in gaming and esports?' There weren't many opportunities back then, right? But we did it.
“In 2020, when we put up Blacklist International with our background game in Dota, they said, 'What will you know about ML [Mobile Legends] when you're from Dota 2.' Then, we conquered and won the championship in Mobile Legends.
“Today, in 2022, people in Dota 2 were telling us, 'Why are you in Dota 2 if you only know ML?' So, to me, I think life as it is going to be battling against doubts, questions, and really proving to them what you're capable of.
“I think, what Tier One has done for the past years, it has always remained constant with our endeavor of opening up as much opportunities as possible.”
For the upcoming 2023 season of Dota Pro Circuit, Tier One's Blacklist International teams up with Canadian e-sports entertainment and media Rivalry to form a powerful team that will represent the Philippines.
“When we decided to create Blacklist-Rivalry with Tier One, we wanted to put together a team that is not only capable of winning but also act as a beacon of hope that the Philippine esports community can rally behind,” said Rivalry country manager Althea Cunanan.
Blacklist Rivalry's joint venture proudly announced the lineup of veterans composed of Carlo “Kuku” Palad, Timothy “Tims”Randrup, Marc Polo “Raven”Fausto, Nico “Eyyou”Barcelon, and Karl Baldovino.
This inaugural Blacklist-Rivalry Dota 2 squad also joins the prestigious roster of Predator Gaming ambassadors. They will be provided with high-end gaming PCs for their Predator-branded bootcamp.
“As we know, Tier One Entertainment and Blacklist International have been the titans in the e-sports entertainment scene. Actually, itong Blacklist-Rivalry roster, some of them are former champions of the Predator League Tournament in Asia-Pacific. So, in terms of expectations, actually, we know that they have what it takes already. More than expectation, it's really a vote of confidence from the Predator family, really an all-out commitment of support from the Predator team,” said Acer Philippines general manager Sue Ong-Lim.
With the announcement of Blacklist-Rivalry's Dota 2 team, the whole Dota community in the country looks forward to their debut in the upcoming DPC season.
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