How James BanKs averted a “darkish” path due to esports

  ❘   Revealed: 2022-12-22T17:41:41

  ❘   Up to date: 2022-12-22T17:42:06

CS:GO caster James ‘BanKs’ defined how esports was his saving grace in an unique interview with Dexerto.

When NAVI received PGL Stockholm 2021, it wasn’t simply NAVI celebrity s1mple celebrating the achievement. Lengthy after the occasion was over and the final followers had exited the venue, BanKs laid on the ground of the stage and thought to himself, “I’ve achieved it!”

BanKs had simply undergone the hardest problem of his life – shedding his spouse whereas working in Stockholm. Now, he says the “recreation stored me centered on my love and fervour and stored me out of a darkish place throughout a darkish time.”

Esports holds a particular place in BanKs‘ coronary heart, and his ties run a lot deeper than the common fan or skilled participant. He shared the story of his journey in esports and the way he at all times knew it was his calling in life.

Esports was an escape

BanKs grew up in a low-income household within the public housing system of London. He admitted, “I had a tremendous household, however I simply took a couple of incorrect turns.” He was identified with diabetes at a younger age; in some methods, the prognosis served as a blessing in disguise.

PGL

He was pressured to remain residence for therapy, and this allowed him to find CS:GO. “Counter-Strike has been probably the most constant factor in my life, and I’m so grateful for it. By no means did I think about it will be extra than simply taking part in a recreation.”

In 2003, at age 13, BanKs watched SK Sweeden, which ignited his ardour for esports LAN tournaments. He additionally competed in his first reside occasion that very same 12 months with pals. He didn’t win a single match, however “I stored going by way of, by no means quit, guys!”

5 years later, and finding out in school, BanKs didn’t have time to play on a CS:GO crew, so he transitioned to Virtua Fighter 5. Enjoying a one-on-one recreation allowed him to steadiness college and esports concurrently. Spiritual play and follow culminated with a silver medal on the UK qualifiers.

“My objective was at all times to remain in esports and by no means cease, it doesn’t matter what position it was.”

BanKs lastly will get his massive break in CS:GO

BanKs’ perseverance lastly paid off in 2014. He was invited to be an interviewer with Gfinity at G3. Conducting interviews on YouTube helped him put together for the second, and regardless of being “extremely nervous,” he credited Richard Lewis, Duncan ‘Thorin’ Shields, and Scott ‘SirScoots’ Smith for serving to him.

Being an avid esports fan and constructing relationships vaulted BanKs into the place he’s in right this moment.

“I attempt to be as compassionate and empathetic as attainable with all gamers and comply with their temper whereas understanding the place I can push issues and the place I ought to maintain again.”

CS:GO attracts in large crowds, and BanKs lives for assembly followers and individuals who love the sport as a lot as him. PGL Antwerp 2022 broke the sport’s attendance document, internet hosting over 20,000 passionate followers, and BanKs was within the midst of all of it, soaking every thing in.

“The extra they provide, the extra I really feel energized. It’s a actually exhausting feeling to elucidate, however it’s the place I really feel I do my finest work, it’s the place I really feel my happiest.”

“The place I really feel my happiest”

For BanKs, esports is greater than a candy escape or an necessary interest. In a tragic flip of occasions, the caster misplaced his spouse as he was working PGL Stockholm 2021. BanKs was devastated, however he wasn’t alone. He describes that occasion as a “lovely distraction” as neighborhood members rallied round him after struggling such a fantastic loss.

“It was the very best occasion and the toughest occasion for me. My favourite crew NAVI received, lastly, after their dedication and dedication to CS: GO, they received a significant, and my pal S1mple, the best participant of all time, achieved his dream.”

Twitter: BanKs

BanKs’ spouse handed in 2021, whereas he was working on the PGL Stockholm Main.

s1mple frolicked with BanKs all through PGL Stockholm and, after lifting up the championship trophy, says the professional “gave me his Main profitable mouse that I’ll cherish perpetually.”

As BanKs laid on the Stockholm stage and felt waves of emotion pour over him, the expertise was a affirmation of his love and fervour for esports.

Being on stage absorbing the vitality of a crowd is the place BanKs feels the happiest, and hardships confronted at a number of phases of life led him to the conclusion that esports “was a means out of every thing dangerous.”