Ekki, who transitioned from an assistant coach to the position four support for Team Secret, disclosed how Puppey facilitated his entry into the team, despite lacking experience in major teams previously. Reflecting on his recruitment, Ekki recounted, "During the post-TI reshuffles, I was seeking a team. Having served as a coach previously, I harbored a desire to test myself as a player, brimming with ideas on my gameplay approach. Puppey reached out to me, expressing the team's need for a fourth position player. I seized the opportunity to give it a shot."
Acknowledging Puppey's mentorship and impact on his gameplay, Ekki emphasized the invaluable lessons gleaned from playing alongside the seasoned Dota 2 veteran. He remarked, "Playing with Puppey is an enriching experience. As a professional player, there are nuances that one may overlook. Puppey's guidance has honed my decision-making prowess within the game, enabling me to execute actions swiftly. It's a fascinating journey playing alongside him."
Despite recent rumors circulating within the Dota 2 community regarding Ekki's potential departure from Team Secret, there has been no official statement from either the team or the player regarding this speculation. Ekki's tenure with Team Secret commenced with the ongoing DreamLeague Season 22, albeit concluding with a disappointing 11th-12th standing for the team in the tournament.
As the Dota 2 community awaits further developments, Ekki's testament to Puppey's mentorship underscores the pivotal role of experienced veterans in nurturing emerging talent within the competitive esports landscape.