If you are curious about esports, you may have encountered the term ‘gank’ being used by players, commentators, or analysts. But what does it mean, and how does it influence the gameplay and strategy of different esports titles? In this article, we will explain the meaning of ‘gank’, its origin, and some examples of how it is used in esports.
What is a ‘gank’ in esports?
A ‘gank’ is a term used in esports to describe the act of ambushing an unsuspecting enemy, usually with superior numbers or coordination. A ‘gank’ usually results in a kill or an advantage for the player or the team that initiates it. A ‘gank’ is often used to surprise, disrupt, or eliminate the opponent, as well as to gain an edge over them. A ‘gank’ is a crucial factor in esports, as it can determine the pace, outcome, or style of a game or a match.
The term ‘gank’ comes from the online gaming community, where it is used as a slang word for ‘gang kill’. The term ‘gank’ was popularized by the online multiplayer game World of Warcraft, which was released in 2004 and is considered as one of the pioneers of the esports genre. In World of Warcraft, the term ‘gank’ was used to refer to the practice of killing a low-level or a solo player by a high-level or a group of players, especially in a player versus player (PvP) mode. The term ‘gank’ soon became a common term in esports, and it is still widely used today.
How is ‘gank’ used in different esports genres?
While the term ‘gank’ originated from online gaming, it has since been adopted by various esports genres, such as Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA), First-Person Shooter (FPS), or Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games. However, the meaning and usage of ‘gank’ may vary depending on the game and the context. Here are some examples of how ‘gank’ is used in different esports genres:
In MOBA games, such as League of Legends, Dota 2, or Heroes of the Storm, a ‘gank’ is used to describe the process of attacking an enemy hero or a lane that is not expecting it, usually with the help of another hero or a team. In MOBA games, a ‘gank’ is typically a feature of every hero, but it is more important for jungler or roaming heroes, who specialize in ‘ganking’ other lanes or areas of the map. A ‘gank’ is also a factor of strategy and counterplay, as some heroes or items may have ‘gank’ initiation, prevention, or escape. Some examples of ‘gank’ heroes or items in MOBA games are Lee Sin, Pudge, or Blink Dagger.
In FPS games, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Valorant, or Overwatch, a ‘gank’ is used to describe the act of killing an enemy or a site that is not prepared for it, usually with the advantage of surprise or stealth. In FPS games, a ‘gank’ is usually a secondary or tertiary feature of the game, rather than a primary one. A ‘gank’ is often used to complement or support the main goal of the game, which is to win rounds or matches, rather than to dominate or carry the game. Some examples of ‘gank’ weapons or abilities in FPS games are AWP, Operator, or Reaper.
In RTS games, such as StarCraft, Age of Empires, or Warcraft, a ‘gank’ is used to describe the act of destroying or capturing an enemy unit or a base that is not defended or guarded, usually with the benefit of speed or mobility. In RTS games, a ‘gank’ is usually a primary or essential feature of the game, as it determines the economy, production, or power of the player or the faction. A ‘gank’ is also a factor of strategy and counterplay, as some factions or units may have ‘gank’ efficiency, diversity, or harassment. Some examples of ‘gank’ units or buildings in RTS games are Zerglings, Cavalry, or Air Units.
What are some examples of ‘gank’ players or strategies in esports?
To illustrate the concept of ‘gank’ further, here are some examples of famous ‘gank’ players or strategies in esports:
In League of Legends, one of the most skilled ‘gank’ players is Kim “Reignover” Yeu-jin, who is regarded as one of the best junglers in the world. Reignover is known for his impeccable timing, vision, and communication with his team. He often uses his ‘gank’ abilities to create pressure, secure kills, or take objectives for his team. Reignover has won two European League of Legends Championship Series titles, one Mid-Season Invitational title, and one World Championship semifinal with his team, Fnatic. He is also known for his innovative and diverse ‘gank’ strategies, such as using Olaf, Rengar, or Hecarim.
In CS:GO, one of the most ingenious ‘gank’ strategies is the Astralis smoke, which was popularized by the Danish team Astralis, who is considered as one of the best teams in the world. The Astralis smoke is a tactic that involves throwing a smoke grenade at a specific spot on the map, usually near a bomb site or a choke point, and then waiting for the smoke to dissipate before executing a ‘gank’ or a defense. The Astralis smoke is a ‘gank’ strategy that creates confusion and uncertainty for the enemy, as well as a window of opportunity for the team.
In StarCraft, one of the most dominant ‘gank’ players is Joona “Serral” Sotala, who is regarded as one of the best players in the world. Serral is known for his impeccable macro, micro, and decision making. He can play any race or style, but he is most famous for his Zerg ‘gank’ performances, where he often overwhelms his opponents with his speed, mobility, or technology. Some of his notable ‘gank’ achievements are his 2018 WCS Global Finals win, his 2019 WESG win, and his 2020 IEM Katowice win.
To Sum Up
The term ‘gank’ is a term used in esports to describe the act of ambushing an unsuspecting enemy, usually with superior numbers or coordination. The term ‘gank’ comes from the online gaming community, where it is used as a slang word for ‘gang kill’. The term ‘gank’ was popularized by the online multiplayer game World of Warcraft, which was released in 2004 and is considered as one of the pioneers of the esports genre. The term ‘gank’ has since been adopted by various esports genres, such as MOBA, FPS, or RTS games, where it may have different meanings and usages depending on the game and the context. The term ‘gank’ is often used to analyze or evaluate a player’s performance, skill, or impact on the game.