"HolyPurp" after Cyber EuroLeague debut: “This is the most realistic gameplay — every eSports player can improve here”
- Euroleague
- 17 hours ago
- 5 min read
ESportsBattle standout HolyPurp made his Cyber EuroLeague debut for Beşiktaş GAIN Istanbul in a difficult moment of the season, facing EA7 Milano and Bryant Dunston in his first game at the highest European 2K league level.
The Ukrainian eBasketball player arrived with a strong reputation from eSportsBattle, where he has been one of the best performers this season based on international tournament results. But his first Cyber EuroLeague appearance immediately showed him the difference between a strong competitive environment and the top European stage.
Beşiktaş lost 50–32, but for HolyPurp, the game was not only a defeat. It was a lesson in rhythm, defense, realism, and adaptation.
“I feel okay, but I know I can show much more,” HolyPurp said after his debut. “The situation of Beşiktaş gives me extra motivation. I don’t see it only as a difficult moment — I see it as a chance to prove myself.”
HolyPurp Cyber EuroLeague debut: facing Bryant Dunston in his first test
HolyPurp’s first Cyber EuroLeague opponent was not an ordinary one. EA7 Milano was represented by Bryant Dunston, a real-life professional basketball player with major European experience and deep basketball understanding, as two-time reallife Euroleague champion and all-time second in rebounds and second in blocks.
“You could feel that he has experience and a big understanding of the game,” HolyPurp said. “He does not play like a usual glitch user. He plays like a guy who really knows what the ball is, how to protect the paint, how to control space, and how to make you uncomfortable.”
For HolyPurp, the matchup quickly became a true introduction to the level of Cyber EuroLeague.
“I guess it was a real ‘Welcome to Cyber EuroLeague’ moment,” he admitted. “I forgot what it feels like when you don’t immediately know what to do to change the situation in your favor. Here, you have to solve problems every possession.”
“There are no free points”
Coming from eSportsBattle, HolyPurp said the biggest adjustment was the discipline required in every moment of the game.
“You must play fully until the end of every possession,” he explained. “There are no free points here. Every small mistake can become a problem, and you need to stay focused all the time.”
He also noticed that the gameplay felt different because of the settings, attributes, and overall balance.
“It felt unusual because of the attribute changes,” HolyPurp said. “Offensively, it is obviously harder. You need to create better shots, move the ball more, use pick-and-rolls, and make smarter decisions. If you force something, the defense usually punishes you.”
Realistic basketball simulation
One of HolyPurp’s strongest impressions from his debut was the realism of the gameplay. According to him, Cyber EuroLeague forces players to think more like real basketball players.
“Yes, it feels more realistic,” he said. “The closest thing to real basketball is team defense. You are always trying to cover the player with the ball, but you also need support from the whole team — help defense, rotations, paint protection, everything.”
On offense, he believes the same realism is visible.
“You cannot just run through everybody,” HolyPurp said. “You need ball movement, spacing, pick-and-rolls, and better decision-making. That is why I think this gameplay can help every eSports player improve.”
Lessons from the 50–32 loss
After the defeat, HolyPurp pointed to offensive spacing, ball security, and adaptation as the main areas he needs to improve.
“I need to find better ways to create space on offense,” he said. “When you cannot create space, every shot becomes more difficult. I also need to play safer with the ball because at this level, bad decisions are punished quickly.”
Playing against Dunston also taught him specific details about defense and contact.
“I learned a lot from him about drawing fouls and supporting the paint defensively,” HolyPurp said. “There were almost no offensive plays where I did not feel pressure from his center or power forward. He defends with the whole team, not only one player.”
Representing Ukraine and eSportsBattle
HolyPurp is now carrying two important responsibilities: representing eSportsBattle on the Cyber EuroLeague stage and becoming the first Ukrainian eBasketball player at this level, after Ukrainian players had previously reached Cyber EuroCup.
“For me, the main thing is simple: I want to show the level of Ukrainian players,” he said. “I understand that representing eSportsBattle is important, and I also understand what it means to be Ukrainian on this stage. It gives me responsibility, but also pride.”
He believes playing in Cyber EuroLeague will also help him grow as a player.
“For sure, this level can help me develop,” HolyPurp said. “To win here, you must learn more mechanics, feel the space better, control the tempo, and understand the game deeper. That will definitely help me in eSportsBattle too.”
Fighting for Beşiktaş
Beşiktaş remains in a difficult position, but HolyPurp sees the challenge as motivation rather than pressure.
“It is a very big challenge, but also the biggest motivation,” he said. “When the situation is difficult, it gives you a chance to show your real skill level and your character.”
He also encouraged other players to try reaching Cyber EuroLeague, Cyber EuroCup, or Cyber BCL.
“If players are ready for the challenge and have passion to become better, then yes, 100% they should try,” HolyPurp said. “These leagues can improve every eSports player because the gameplay is realistic, demanding, and competitive.”
Before his next games, HolyPurp wants to be better prepared tactically.
“I want to learn all the teams, learn my own team better, prepare new schemes, and find ways to play my game on the perimeter,” he said. “I need to create more space, make safer decisions, and adapt faster.”
HolyPurp has also applied for a wildcard for the 2K27 season, and his debut only increased his motivation.
“Yes, 100%,” he said. “This game gave me even more motivation. I believe I belong here, but belief is not enough. I need to prove it in games.”
As for what Cyber EuroLeague fans can expect from him and Beşiktaş until the end of the season, his message was clear.
“I will find a way to play my game,” HolyPurp concluded. “I will keep working, keep adapting, and do everything possible to help Beşiktaş reach the highest position we can still reach. This debut was only the first step.”
