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 famous person 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 executed it!”
BanKs had simply undergone the hardest problem of his life – shedding his spouse whereas working in Stockholm. Now, he says the “sport stored me centered on my love and keenness and stored me out of a darkish place throughout a darkish time.”
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Esports holds a particular place in BanKs‘ coronary heart, and his ties run a lot deeper than the typical fan or skilled participant. He shared the story of his journey in esports and the way he all the time 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 just a few unsuitable turns.” He was identified with diabetes at a younger age; in some methods, the analysis served as a blessing in disguise.
He was pressured to remain residence for therapy, and this allowed him to find CS:GO. “Counter-Strike has been essentially the most constant factor in my life, and I’m so grateful for it. By no means did I think about it could be extra than simply enjoying a sport.”
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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 yr with associates. He didn’t win a single match, however “I stored going by means of, by no means hand over, guys!”
5 years later, and finding out in school, BanKs didn’t have time to play on a CS:GO staff, so he transitioned to Virtua Fighter 5. Enjoying a one-on-one sport allowed him to steadiness college and esports concurrently. Spiritual play and follow culminated with a silver medal on the UK qualifiers.
“My aim was all the time to remain in esports and by no means cease, it doesn’t matter what position it was.”
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BanKs lastly will get his large 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.
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Being an avid esports fan and constructing relationships vaulted BanKs into the place he’s in at the moment.
“I attempt to be as compassionate and empathetic as attainable with all gamers and observe 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 file, internet hosting over 20,000 passionate followers, and BanKs was within the midst of all of it, soaking every little thing in.
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“The extra they provide, the extra I really feel energized. It’s a actually arduous feeling to clarify, 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 vital passion. 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 “stunning distraction” as group members rallied round him after struggling such a fantastic loss.
“It was one of the best occasion and the toughest occasion for me. My favourite staff NAVI received, lastly, after their dedication and dedication to CS: GO, they received a significant, and my good friend S1mple, the best participant of all time, achieved his dream.”
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BanKs’ spouse handed in 2021, whereas he was working on the PGL Stockholm Main.
s1mple hung out 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 without end.”
As BanKs laid on the Stockholm stage and felt waves of emotion pour over him, the expertise was a affirmation of his love and keenness 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 little thing dangerous.”
