Blacklist International’s Record-Breaking Comeback Keeps it Alive at Bali Major
The Bali Major 2023 has been a rollercoaster of emotions for teams and fans alike, with many high-stakes matches and unexpected turnarounds. Southeast Asian (SEA) teams were struggling in the first few days of the group stages, where all 3 SEA teams were at the bottom of both groups.
However, towards the end of the group stages, only Execration has been eliminated so far, and Blacklist International and Bleed Esports have managed to keep their tournament lives intact and have a solid chance to make it to the playoffs.
One standout moment that will go down in history occurred in the match between Blacklist International and Invictus Gaming. The SEA team mounted a record-breaking comeback, as highlighted by Dota 2 statistician Noxville, which not only secured them a crucial victory to force tiebreakers but also etched the team’s name into the game’s history books.
A 48,000 Gold Deficit Comeback
In a high-stakes game that had Blacklist International’s tournament lives on the line, the team showcased resilience and determination to win as they mounted a near-impossible comeback against Invictus Gaming.
Raven with the hero backdoor play to mount a comeback win against a 49k gold lead, with the help of Kuku and clutch TP cancels from Karl
Support your favorite teams here: https://t.co/DsA1aujgV5#BlacklistRivalry | @rivalrysea #ItLiesWithin pic.twitter.com/6P4VVaCg61
— BLACKLIST INTERNATIONAL (@BLACKLISTINTL) July 3, 2023
Noxville’s tweet revealed that this remarkable feat was the biggest LAN comeback in terms of net worth since the inception of Source 2, dating back to September 2015.
Blacklist make the biggest LAN comeback (in terms of networth) in Source 2 (since ~Sep 2015) but likely ever.
They were behind by ~48990 networth (incidentally, right as the game ended).
#2 is Liquid > Vici (Epicenter ’19) ~42.6k
#3 is Nigma > RNG (Bukovel Minor ’20) ~41.5k— Ben Steenhuisen (@Noxville) July 3, 2023
With Blacklist International being down by a staggering 48,990 net worth, the team secured a win by teleporting into creeps pushing into the opponent’s base, and ending the game by focusing on the buildings and the Ancient.
This incredible performance solidified their place in Dota 2 history, surpassing previous records held by Liquid against Vici at Epicenter 2019 and Nigma against RNG at Bukovel Minor 2020.
Forcing tiebreakers for a playoff spot
Blacklist International’s victory over Invictus Gaming not only secured their place in the record books but also had significant implications for their survival in the Bali Major. Currently tied for 6th place alongside Shopify Rebellion, Blacklist International’s victory led the team into tiebreakers for a chance at a spot in the playoffs.
After a close 2-0 against Invictus Gaming, SEA Squad @BLACKLISTINTL will force tiebreakers versus NA Powerhouses @ShopifyRebels
Who will secure the playoffs slot?
15.00 WITA / SGT#WhereLandMeetsSea pic.twitter.com/4kC0l145vx
— IO Esports @ Bali Major (@ioesportsgg) July 3, 2023
The upcoming tiebreaker match between the two teams will determine the last team who will proceed into the playoffs from Group A. The stakes are high, as the loser of the tiebreaker will face elimination from the Bali Major 2023.
Blacklist International’s historic comeback against Invictus Gaming at the Bali Major 2023 is another moment that fans will remember moving forward, alongside the 2-hour and 16-minute long game between Quest Esports and Gaimin Gladiators.
As Blacklist International prepares for the crucial tiebreaker match against Shopify Rebellion, the battle for survival intensifies. As the first Valve Dota 2 event in Indonesia, many fans in the region would hope for the SEA teams to go much further in the tournament.
