The two world champions came head-to-head in the Sibol Phase 2 qualifiers with the defending world champions, Blacklist International, prevailed over the rejigged Bren Esports squad, 2-1, and secured their spot in the upper bracket.

Despite the absence of Edward “Edward” Jay Dapadap and Kiel “OHEB” Soriano due to age restrictions, Blacklist remained the same beast as they turned the tide over Bren Esports who looked like it was about to take over the game at the 16-minute mark in the first canto. 

It was Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario (Yi Sun-Shin) and Howard “Owl” Gonzales (Harith) that turned the tables around by kiting the remaining Bren contingent to take the victory, 1-0. 

Owl finished with five kills and six assists while Wise had four kills and seven dimes, both having no death in the match.

Come game two, Bren pulled a comeback capped by Kenneth “Saxa” Fedelin (Paquito) and Vincent “Joy Boy” De Guzman (Ruby) taking kills overkills and forcing the Codebreakers to a rubber match. 

Bren took an 11-5 bounce-back win in Game Two in just 13 minutes and 57 seconds, highlighted by Saxa with seven kills along with two assists and a death while Joy Boy finished with seven assists laced with two deaths.

OhMyV33nus’ surprise Lolita pick made its presence felt as its crowd control abilities fended off Bren Esports’ tough stand with a dominant 12-3 win in 14 minutes and 39 seconds.

Wise’s Aldous ended with three kills and five assists without a death while Salic “Hadji” Imam (Kagura) had a perfect 4-0-6 KDA.

Blacklist now joins RSG PH, ONIC PH, and Nexplay EVOS on the upper bracket while Bren is delegated on the lower bracket along with Omega Esports, Origen Esports, and El Ganador Esports.