Timothy "Tims" Randrup has been appointed as team captain as Blacklist Rivalry shoots for pride and glory in the upcoming season of the DOTA 2 Pro Circuit Division I.
One of the most notable support players in the DOTA 2 competitive scene, Tims will be teaming up with former TNC Pro Team players Carlo "Kuku" Palad, Marc Polo "Raven" Fausto, Nico "Eyyou" Barcelon and former T1 mid laner Karl "Karl" Baldovino.
In an announcement, Blacklist said Tims is perfect for the leadership role.
"Our earth-shattering new leader. Hailed as a rising star from his debut, Tims has always been a solid pillar for the teams he has been part of," Blacklist Rivalry announced.
"As one of the most explosive support players in the game, he's the perfect fit to lead the charge into battle as our captain. Tims is ready to break the code as Blacklist Rivalry's captain and support."
Blacklist Rivalry was formed by Blacklist International co-owner and Tier One Entertainment chief executive officer Tryke Gutierrez with the hopes of building a Filipino DOTA 2 version of the "Redeem Team" as none of the local Esports organizations made it to The International this year.
Unlike other aspiring DOTA 2 squads, Blacklist Rivalry skipped the qualification stage altogether when it bought RSG's franchise to the upcoming Southeast Asian regional league which automatically placed them in Division I.
Blacklist Rivalry, composed of battle-tested Filipino veterans, is sure to reap the benefits of having Tims at the helm.
He has proven time and time again that success follows wherever he goes as showcased when he led Indonesian squad BOOM Esports to a TI qualification this past October in Singapore where it took home $378,612 — or roughly P21.4 million — for its top 9 to 12 finish.
Former T1 team captain and ex-TNC mid laner Kuku, meanwhile, will man the off-lane when Blacklist Rivalry starts its mission to reclaim the Philippines' old glory in professional DOTA.
"The Filipino Huskar is home and now he's in black and white. One of the most decorated names in the DOTA 2 scene, we're glad to have a personality like Kuku at Blacklist" Blacklist Rivalry said.
"Dubbed Kucore for his exceptional carry performances, we can't wait to see vintage Kuku back in action with his old teammates and remind everyone why he's a household name in DOTA 2."