In a recent exclusive interview, Tryke Gutierrez, CEO of Tier One Entertainment, got real about the incredible journey of Blacklist International and what’s next for esports. Honestly, I’m still trying to wrap my head around all the things he said. Here are some of the highlights.

“We exceeded what we expected to achieve.”Tryke started off by talking about Blacklist International, and it was wild to hear how far they’ve come. Back in 2020, when the team first got started, not many people believed they could make it big. “We were just a bunch of people with an idea, and honestly, I never thought it would get this far,” he said. But fast forward to today and Blacklist is a world champion, one of the top esports teams in the world. “It’s beyond what we imagined,” Tryke admitted, and I think that’s something fans can really appreciate how humble and thankful he is about the team’s success.

The Business Side: Seizing OpportunitiesWhile it’s great to talk about the victories, Tryke also shared his thoughts on business. At some point, Tier One had the opportunity to sell, but it wasn’t something they were actively looking for. “We weren’t out there trying to sell, but when the offer came, we had to assess it and figure out if it made sense for us long-term,” he explained. He’s all about making sure the organization is headed in the right direction for the next couple of years, and sometimes that means making tough decisions.

For him, it wasn’t just about the money, but about making sure any moves align with the company’s goals. “It was an opportunity to reassess our position and see where we stood in the market,” he said, and I think that shows how much he cares about the future of Tier One and Blacklist International.

Esports is Here to Stay

One of the things I loved hearing was how confident Tryke is in the future of esports. “I fully believe in esports,” he said, and I can’t argue with that. But he was also quick to mention that Mobile Legends (MLBB) isn’t the only game in the esports world. While MLBB has done amazing things for the Filipino esports scene, Tryke pointed out that there’s more to the industry than just one game. “Esports is global, and there are so many other games out there that are growing the ecosystem. It’s not just about MLBB,” he explained.

He also brought up how esports is getting bigger in the West, with valuations of big organizations hitting the news lately. It’s a sign that the entire industry is maturing and becoming more mainstream. “Events like the Esports World Cup are huge because they give the whole world a roadmap of how things should be done,” he said, and I totally agree. It’s cool to see how the industry is evolving on a global scale.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Esports

So, what’s next? Tryke’s not slowing down anytime soon. He believes esports is only going to keep growing, and that the key is making smart moves to stay ahead. “Esports is in a good place, but there’s still a lot of room for growth,” he said. And for Tier One? It’s all about finding new ways to make esports not just about gaming, but also about sustainability and long-term success.