BloodThirstyKings (BTK) will not be representing North America in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2023.
The MSC Committee announced the disqualification of the North America Challenger Tournament (NACT) Spring 2023 champions, led by star jungler Michael “MobaZane” Cosgun.
“We regret to inform you that BTK will no longer be participating in MSC 2023, as they were unable to meet the basic requirements set in the tournament rules,” the MSC Committee said in a statement released on Monday, May 22.
With BTK out, NACT runner-up Team Outplay took the spot in the upcoming international tournament set on June 10 to 18 in Cambodia.
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BTK encounters roster problems ahead of MSC 2023
As per MSC rules, a team should maintain a minimum of seven members throughout the tournament, and players need to be the same as the team that qualified through a professional league (MPL) or local qualifier.
However, one of BTK’s players did not have a valid passport, and another player’s legal guardian did not consent to their participation, resulting in their disqualification.
The MSC Committee added that they tried to find a resolution for BTK until the deadline to arrange visa applications, flight tickets, and other travel documents. But their team manager confirmed that they could not comply with the rules.
Team Outplay, headed by MobaZane’s former The Valley teammates Jang “Hoon” Seong-hun, Peter “Basic” Lozano, and Oscar “SHARK” Vo, replaced BTK as representatives of NA in MSC 2023.
“We understand that this news may disappoint BTK fans, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. However, we believe it is important to ensure fair competition by upholding the rules and regulations within the tournament guidelines and rulebook,” the committee said.
BTK’s qualification for the International Esports Federation World Esports Championship (IESF WEC) 2023 is also uncertain pending the official announcement from the organization.
MobaZane and his four rookie teammates in BloodThirstyKings initially qualified for MSC and IESF WEC after upsetting Outplay in a thrilling best-of-seven grand final in the NACT Spring 2023, 4-3, last May 15.
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