In a recent interview, Tryke Gutierrez, CEO of Tier One Entertainment, shared his thoughts on the remarkable journey of Blacklist International and offered a bold vision for the future of esports. From humble beginnings to global recognition, the team’s success has been nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights from the conversation.

Exceeding Expectations: The Rise of Blacklist International

Tryke opened up about how Blacklist International exceeded every expectation. Back in 2020, when the team first started, few believed they could rise to the top. “We were just a bunch of people with an idea, and honestly, I never thought it would get this far,” Tryke recalled. However, fast forward to today, and Blacklist International is not just a force in the esports scene, but a world champion team. “It’s beyond what we imagined,” Tryke shared, showing how grateful and humbled he is by the journey.

This underdog story has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, and Tryke’s reflection on the team’s rise from nothing to global esports stardom offers a candid and inspiring perspective on Blacklist’s legacy.

The Business Side: Strategic Decision-Making

While the team’s achievements are impressive, Tryke also dove into the business side of things. At one point, Tier One Entertainment had an offer to sell, but it wasn’t something they were actively seeking. “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. It wasn’t just about financial gain; for Tryke, it was about the long-term vision for the organization and aligning any potential decisions with Tier One’s broader goals.

His approach reflects his commitment to making decisions that benefit both the team and the future of Tier One Entertainment. “It was an opportunity to reassess our position and see where we stood in the market,” Tryke said, demonstrating his strategic mindset.

Esports: A Global Phenomenon

One of the most exciting takeaways from the interview was Tryke’s unwavering confidence in the future of esports. “I fully believe in esports,” he affirmed, reinforcing his commitment to the growing industry. However, he also emphasized that while Mobile Legends (MLBB) has been instrumental in shaping Filipino esports, there’s a much larger global landscape to consider. “Esports is global, and there are so many other games out there that are growing the ecosystem,” Tryke noted, highlighting the dynamic and expansive nature of esports beyond just one title.

He also pointed to the growing impact of esports in the West. With organizations in Europe and North America being valued at staggering amounts, Tryke believes this is a sign of esports maturing into a mainstream industry. “Events like the Esports World Cup are huge because they give the whole world a roadmap of how things should be done,” he added.

Growth, Sustainability, and Innovation

Looking toward the future, Tryke isn’t slowing down. He believes that esports is still in its early stages of growth and that there are immense opportunities to expand. “Esports is in a good place, but there’s still a lot of room for growth,” he said, noting that the focus for Tier One will be on making esports more sustainable and preparing it for long-term success.

For Tryke, the goal isn’t just about gaming—it’s about shaping a future where esports continues to thrive and expand globally. “It’s all about finding new ways to make esports not just about gaming, but about sustainability and long-term success,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of building something that will last.