"Probably a mobile shooting game": Blacklist International dreams India esports market entry
In 2025, the global esports scene is undergoing rapid change, with Southeast Asia at its epicenter. Top-tier companies are faced with crucial choices that could determine their future in a more competitive environment as the industry continues to professionalise, grow, and globalise.
The Esports World Cup 2025, the second edition of the world’s most ambitious cross-title event, is the best place to witness this progress. It’s a stage where organisations must exhibit not only skill but also vision, structure, and perseverance; it’s not just a tournament.
While Southeast Asia has become one of the most dynamic and competitive esports regions globally, new challengers are rising; new marketsespecially Indiaare opening up, and traditional esports models are being tested by shifting publisher strategies and evolving player expectations.
As SiGMA Asia kicks off in Manila, we spoke with Tryke Gutierrez, co-owner of Philippines-based Blacklist International. He provides rare insight into the challenges of competing on multiple fronts, the tough decisions behind narrowing focus, and the pressures of maintaining integrity in an industry still wrestling with regulation. Gutierrez also hinted about the company’s plan to enter the Indian esports market in the foreseeable future. Here are excerpts from the exclusive fireside chat.
SiGMA: The Esports World Cup 2025 features only elite organisations. How does Blacklist plan to compete without spreading itself too thin? Are player and staff burnout risks being ignored?
Tryke Gutierrez, co-owner of Blacklist International: I think we’ve learned a lot from our experience last year, being one of the first 30 organisations in the Esports World Cup. Last year, we competed in Apex, StarCraft, Tekken, Dota 2, and Honour of Kings. What we’ve learned during that time is that it’s very hard to compete in multiple titles across multiple geographies, especially in the World Cup.???
The different schedules, recruitment processes for each team, and their circuits make it challenging. It was a great experience, but not being able to accomplish what we wanted taught us a valuable lesson: the importance of focusing. To win a World Championship in the Esports World Cup, you need a certain level of resources, and we’re not there yet. So, we need to pick our battles, and this year, we chose Mobile Legends and Honour of Kings.
In 2025, we’re reassessing our approach to esports. Therefore, we focused only on Honour of Kings and Mobile Legends, as these are two games we really believe in. However, in 2026, we plan to go all out again with Blacklist International.
SiGMA: Southeast Asias esports scene is more crowded and competitive than ever. What makes you confident Blacklist can maintain its dominance as rivals multiply?
Gutierrez: I still believe that we are the best destination for players in Southeast Asia. While we may not offer the most competitive salaries compared to others, we bring a winning culture. For every game that Blacklist has touched, we are always at least in the top 8 and have multiple championships and titles. This success is due to the way we handle our players, providing them with the support they need to focus on competing. At the same time, we do not tolerate the bad habits that sometimes come from previous organisations. You are what you reward and what you punish. With Blacklist, we’ve created a winning culture.
SiGMA: Blacklist was in the Esports World Cup Club Support Program in 2024 but isnt listed for 2025. Where do you think you failed?
Gutierrez: For 2025, it was more of a strategic decision. Currently, Tier 1 Entertainment is participating in music festivals and other events, including conventions. As a CEO, you need to observe global patterns, and I feel like 2025 is a year of experience. Esports has been around for a long time and will likely continue to remain, but the business model of esports is evolving. Publishers who previously asked for payments are now offering subsidies.
As this market correction occurs within the publisher and esports team spaces, my strategy is to step back, reposition, wait for the market to correct itself, and then re-enter. By 2026, I believe the landscape will be different.
SiGMA: India’s esports market is booming. Is Blacklist planning to expand into the Indian esports market?
Gutierrez: India is very close to my heart because I have many Indian friends. I had actually visited Hyderabad before and met many Indian influencers. I’ve seen India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) and Dreamhack India, and I think the whole space is really exciting, especially when it comes to the fandom. If we’re going to enter the market, I’m probably looking at a mobile shooting game.
SiGMA: Esports faces ongoing issues with inconsistent rules, doping, and lack of transparency. To gain Olympic-level legitimacy by 2027, what hard, possibly unpopular changes do the industry need to accept?
Gutierrez: We need to be stricter with regulations and very careful about issues like doping, cheating, and match-fixing, as these can kill a sport. While there are many intangibles to consider when evaluating these aspects, we must focus on regulating them to protect the integrity of the sport. Esports has grown significantly, and with that growth comes the need for stringent regulations. As one of the bigger institutions in the industry, I fully support the necessary regulations.
SiGMA: With esports betting on the rise, match-fixing risks are increasing. Is Blacklist prepared to be transparent and accountable, or is the industry still avoiding tough conversations on regulation and integrity?
Gutierrez: During the onboarding of our players, I don’t just let our esports team handle it; I join in myself. One of the things I always say is that you can lose games you should have won or miss one or two practices, but if I find out you sold a game, you’re out, even if you’re the star player. Our integrity is on the line with our product in the market.
For example, our Honour of Kings (HOK) team just finished 14-0 in the PKL, and we’re competing again this weekend. We pride ourselves on our winning culture and strive to create the best product possible for our fans to rally behind. As CEO, I will ensure we never disappoint our fans by allowing a Blacklist player to sell a game. We may not win every time, but we will never allow that to happen.
SiGMA: Blacklist relies heavily on Mobile Legends. Are there any future plans for the organisation beyond this one title?
Gutierrez: Honour of Kings is very important to us, and we see its potential. PUBG Mobile also interests me because I know it’s big there. Valorant is another game we want to explore, even though we’ve never really touched it before. These are some of the most exciting games I have seen so far.
SiGMA: Many SEA teams are investing in international boot camps and expansions. Why hasnt Blacklist made similar moves?
Gutierrez: It’s just the unit economics of things, right? Obviously, I’m in the Philippines, where things are generally more affordable. However, when we had an Apex Legends team, they were based in Sweden. I want the players to be in their natural environment, allowing them to spend time with their families. I believe having that balance is key to maintaining the right mental health for players to compete effectively.
