BOOM Esports claim maiden PKL trophy after comeback vs. Blacklist

BOOM Esports claim maiden PKL trophy after comeback vs. Blacklist

MAKATI — BOOM Esports rose to the throne of the Filipino Honor of Kings scene after a dramatic 4-3 comeback win over the previously undefeated Blacklist International in the inaugural Philippine Kings League (PKL) grand finals on Sunday.

The victory marked a moment of redemption for the Hungry Beasts, who missed the HOK Invitational Season 3 last December despite a strong start to the 2024 season. They made sure this time they would not fall short.

BOOM started strong with Karl Ken “KARLLL” Bautista’s Augran dominating Game 1, posting nine kills and six assists. However, Blacklist responded like champions. Chammy Paul “Chammy1” Nazarrea’s Biron tied the series in Game 2, while Justin Ritchie “Juschie” Tan’s Luna took over Game 3. Chammy1 struck again in Game 4 with Mi Yue, putting Blacklist one win away from a perfect run.

BOOM then mounted their comeback.

KARLLL took control in Game 5 with a masterful Luna performance, keeping BOOM alive. Adrian “Toshi” Bacallo stepped up in Game 6 with his signature Arli pick, tallying three kills and two assists to even the series at 3-3 and trigger Ultimate Battle rules.

In the decisive seventh game, BOOM punished Blacklist’s risky picks. Chammy1’s Sun Ce and Juschie’s Luna combined for eight deaths as BOOM closed the game in 14 minutes and secured their maiden PKL title.

The champions took home PHP 390,000+ and the championship trophy, with KARLLL earning Finals MVP honors. Blacklist claimed PHP 270,000+ as runners-up.

BOOM, Blacklist, and third-placers ACT Esports Club will represent the Philippines at the upcoming Kings World Cup in Riyadh this July, competing against 15 other international squads in the first global Honor of Kings tournament under the Esports World Cup banner.