Stoynev twins dominate Sofia EL LAN tournament & entered CyberEurocup stage

The European NBA 2K competitive scene reached a historic milestone as ESportsBattle organized the first officially branded Euroleague 2K tournament in Sofia, featuring prize money and free entry. The LAN event, held at Battlnet Sofia, marked a significant step forward for structured, offline Euroleague 2K competition in Europe.

The tournament not only delivered high-level gameplay but also directly impacted the Cyber Euroleague and Cyber EuroCup ecosystem, introducing new competitors and storylines that are already unfolding online.

Restrictions Leave Champions and Officials on the Sidelines

Despite the excitement surrounding the event, not everyone was satisfied with the tournament’s entry rules. Defending champion Nikola Tasić, one of the most prominent figures in European NBA 2K and current CEL rankings leader, was not allowed to defend his title.

Due to regulatory and prize-payment requirements, only Bulgarian-based players with Bulgarian IBAN bank accounts were eligible to compete. As a result:

• Nikola Tasić was excluded from participation

• Viktor Vladov, Head of Operations of ESportsBattle in Bulgaria and the highest-ranked Bulgarian NBA 2K player, was also ineligible

• Ivan Trbuškovic, a key organizational staff member and NBA 2K coach at ESportsBattle, was likewise barred from competing

While controversial, these restrictions ensured regulatory compliance and transparency for the event’s first official edition.

Stoynev Brothers Dominate Sofia LAN Final

The competition itself delivered a memorable conclusion, as two twin brothers reached the grand final and claimed the top two positions.

• Ivan Stoynev captured 1st place, the trophy, and €300, playing with Baskonia

• Plamen Stoynev finished 2nd, earning €200, representing Hapoel Tel Aviv

The all-family final added a unique narrative to the tournament and underscored the depth of talent emerging from the Bulgarian NBA 2K scene.

Transition From LAN Champions to Cyber EuroCup Competitors

Following their success in Sofia, both brothers applied to the Cyber EuroCup, transitioning from offline LAN competition to Europe’s structured online leagues.

• Ivan Stoynev, the tournament winner, now represents Aris in Cyber EuroCup Group A, where he has opened his campaign with a 0–2 record

• Plamen Stoynev took over Niners Chemnitz from former gamer Julius Klein, inheriting a 0–2 record and now standing at 1–3 after splitting wins and losses in his debut matches

Their progression illustrates the competitive gap between LAN success and sustained performance at the Cyber EuroCup level.

Bobkata’s Disappointing Tournament Run

Another closely watched participant was Borislav Petrov, who entered the tournament with high expectations as an employed gamer at ESportsBattle Sofia. However, his campaign ended in disappointment.

Petrov was eliminated at the group stage without a realistic chance to advance, delivering a performance well below expectations. Although he officially holds a Cyber Euroleague Academy League license (third division), his situation remains uncertain.

Currently, Borislav lacks a home console, resulting in his Academy League license being temporarily frozen until logistical conditions allow his return to competitive play.

A Tournament With Lasting Impact

Despite its limitations and controversies, the Sofia event stands as a landmark moment:

• First officially branded Euroleague NBA 2K LAN tournament

• Prize money and free entry model

• Direct pipeline into Cyber EuroCup and Cyber Euroleague competitions

• Proof of concept for future offline events across Europe

With ESportsBattle expanding its footprint and Cyber Euroleague continuing to grow structurally, the Sofia tournament represents the beginning of a broader integration between LAN events and online European NBA 2K leagues.

Looking Ahead

As new competitors transition from LAN stages to online leagues and established stars continue to define the competitive ceiling, European NBA 2K esports is entering a decisive phase. More events, more structure, and more stories are on the horizon.

The Sofia tournament was not just a competition—it was a statement.

And it is only the beginning.