The second leg of the MPL Season 11 Regular Season saw a rematch between Blacklist International and RSG Slate Philippines. The champions of the previous two seasons sit relatively in the middle of the leaderboard, hoping to get the top 2 seed in order to obtain a comfortable spot in the upcoming playoffs. Who will be more motivated as the regular season nears its conclusion?

To start off the drafting phase, Blacklist banned away anti-UBE heroes such as Kaja and Franco, meanwhile RSG took away key meta heroes such as Wanwan, Joy and Diggie. Gloo, Faramis and Fredrinn were up for grabs, but Blacklist ended up drafting the Fredrinn as their first pick. RSG responded with Lolita and Arlott, two heroes that are strong in teamfights. Blacklist then drafted Gloo and Valentina for reliable pick off potential and damage output. RSG then gave Exort his comfort Kadita pick to wrap up the first phase. Blacklist were able to pick their signature Estes, accompanied by Brody, meanwhile RSG drafted Karrie and Martis. Overall, RSG possessed a lot of teamfight control, meanwhile Blacklist revolves around sustainability in extended teamfights.

RSG took the upper hand in securing the first turtle thanks to a wonderful setup by Light’s Lolita, however the game remained relatively even in the early stages of the game. RSG contained of initiating potential as part of their win conditions, however Blacklist managed to find ways to survive these attempts by RSG and answer back. Both teams mirrored each other on the map, and trades occurred in the heat of teamfights. Blacklist secured the first Lord after winning a crucial skirmish; it can be seen how big of a value the possession of the Purify spell is for the side of the Agents. Owl almost attempted a backdoor play against the Raiders, but the Agents were not able to buy enough time as RSG anticipated it. After winning a lengthy teamfight, RSG won and secured the second Lord, managing to alleviate the map pressure against them. In the heat of a deciding teamfight down on the middle lane, Blacklist won the fight against RSG, as they sustained the damage RSG brought up against them. The Agents eventually wiped out the Raiders, as they took the first game of the series, 1–0.

With a slightly different ban pattern, Blacklist started off the draft by prioritizing Arlott. With this, it was RSG who took the Fredrinn this time, followed by Claude and Valentina. Blacklist still committed with their signature Estes, now accompanied by an Yve pick. Blacklist stuck once again with Brody, followed by Baxia, while RSG answered back by drafting Grock and Yu Zhong for backline access. 

With Baxia’s anti-heal passive kit, it massively benefitted Blacklist in terms of early pressure, as they drew first blood on Nathzz’s Yu Zhong, enabling the Agents to secure the first Turtle. On the Gold lane, Own was able to siege down the entirety of the energy shields of RSG’s outer turret and eventually destroying it, despite being punished in the process. RSG secured the next Turtle, but Blacklist picked off some heroes to trade off. By the 7th minute it was clear Blacklist had the upper hand, leading by two turrets, which was then followed by winning a lengthy sustained teamfight which was won by the Agents, eventually resulting in another Turtle on their belt. Blacklist then used this lead to secure the first Lord, but RSG was able to defend this relatively well. After another Lord secured by Blacklist, they left RSG’s base exposed, and they found their way sieging in, eventually resulting in a sweep in favor for the side of Blacklist.

DRAFT:

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Game 2:

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