Esports, or electronic sports, has become a global phenomenon, captivating millions of fans and players worldwide. Whether you’re new to the world of esports or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the terminology can enhance your experience. This glossary provides a comprehensive list of common terms and concepts used in esports, explained in a way that’s easy to understand.
A
A/B Testing - A method used to compare two versions of a game or application to determine which one performs better. It’s often used to test different game settings, maps, or features.
Ad Farming - The act of farming, or repeatedly completing the same tasks, in a game to gain experience, items, or other rewards. Ad farming is common in free-to-play esports titles.
Aegis - A protective item in some MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games, such as League of Legends. The Aegis provides a shield to the carrier and can be used to counter enemy champions.
AM (Associate Member) - A level of competitive play in esports, below the highest level of professional play. AMs are typically players who have not yet reached the top tier of competition.
B
Bans - In team-based esports games, such as League of Legends or Dota 2, bans refer to the act of restricting certain champions or heroes from being picked by a team. This is done to balance the game and prevent one-sided matches.
Bench - A term used to describe a player who is not currently active in a match but is still part of the team. The bench player may be ready to replace an injured or underperforming player.
Beta Testing - The process of testing a game or application in a controlled environment to identify and fix bugs before its official release.
C
Cash Pool - A shared pool of money in a tournament, where each participant’s entry fee contributes to the total prize pool. The larger the pool, the more competitive the tournament is likely to be.
Champion - In MOBA games, a champion is a character with unique abilities and playstyle. Players choose champions to play as during matches.
Clan - A group of players who typically play together and share a common goal, such as improving their skills or competing in tournaments.
D
Dive - A term used to describe a player who intentionally disconnects from a game to disrupt the match or gain an advantage. Diving is considered cheating and can result in penalties.
Dota 2 - A popular MOBA game developed by Valve Corporation. It’s known for its complex gameplay, deep strategy, and large prize pools.
E
Esports - Electronic sports, a form of competition that involves playing video games. Esports can range from local tournaments to international events with large prize pools.
ESL (Electronic Sports League) - A major esports organization that hosts numerous tournaments and events across various games.
F
Farming - The act of repeating certain tasks in a game to gain experience, items, or other rewards. Farming is common in many esports titles, particularly in free-to-play games.
Faker - A South Korean League of Legends player known for his exceptional skill and playstyle. Faker is often considered the best player in the history of the game.
G
Grand Finals - The final match or matches of a tournament, where the winners are determined. In some cases, the grand finals may involve multiple matches or games.
H
Hype Train - A term used to describe the intense fan support and excitement surrounding a particular player, team, or event in esports.
I
In-Game - Refers to actions or events that occur within the actual game itself. For example, an in-game strategy is a plan or tactic used during a match.
J
Jungle - A term used in some MOBA games to describe the area of the map that is not immediately accessible from the starting lanes. The jungle is often a strategic area where players can farm experience and gold.
K
K/D/A - A metric used to evaluate a player’s performance in many esports games. K/D/A stands for kills/deaths/assists, and it provides a quick overview of a player’s effectiveness in a match.
L
LAN (Local Area Network) - A term used to describe a group of computers connected to each other through a local network. LAN parties are popular in esports, allowing players to compete in person.
League of Legends - A highly popular MOBA game developed by Riot Games. It has a large and active esports scene, with numerous tournaments and events.
M
Map Pool - A set of maps available for use in a particular game or tournament. The map pool is often limited to ensure a balance between familiarity and variety.
Meta - The current state of play in a game or esports scene. The meta refers to the most effective strategies, champions, and items at any given time.
N
NAT (Network Address Translation) - A technique used to allow multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address. NAT can affect online gaming performance.
O
Overwatch - A team-based multiplayer first-person shooter game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It’s known for its diverse cast of characters and dynamic gameplay.
P
Prize Pool - The total amount of money or other rewards available to be won in a tournament. The size of the prize pool can vary significantly depending on the event’s scale.
Pro (Professional) - A player who competes at the highest level of esports. Professional players often have contracts with teams and attend international tournaments.
Q
Quitting - The act of leaving a game before it has ended. Quitting is considered unsportsmanlike and can result in penalties.
R
Rank - A system used in many esports games to determine a player’s skill level. Players are ranked based on their performance in matches and can move up or down in the rankings.
Riot Games - A game development company known for creating popular esports titles, such as League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics.
S
Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) - A system used in many esports games to match players of similar skill levels against each other. SBMM helps ensure fair and competitive matches.
Stream - To broadcast a live video feed of a game or event. Many esports players and events are streamed online, allowing fans to watch and interact with the action in real-time.
Team - A group of players who compete together in esports. Teams often have specific roles, such as top laner, mid laner, jungler, bot laner, and support.
T
Tournament - A competitive event where players or teams compete against each other to win prizes or titles. Tournaments can range from small local events to large international competitions.
Twitch - A popular live streaming platform that hosts many esports events and content creators. Twitch is known for its large and engaged community of esports fans.
U
Unranked - A term used to describe a player or team that is not currently competing in ranked play or tournaments. Unranked players often have lower skill levels than those in ranked play.
V
Valve - A game development company known for creating popular esports titles, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota 2.
W
Ward - A type of item or ability used in some esports games to provide vision and detect enemy movements. Wards are essential for strategic positioning and preventing ganks.
X
X Factor - An intangible quality or skill that separates a top player or team from the rest. The X factor can be difficult to quantify but is often crucial in high-level esports competition.
Y
Yard Sales - A term used to describe the sale of in-game items or skins, particularly in games with item trading or skins gambling. Yard sales can be a source of income for players and fans.
Z
Zombie - A term used to describe a player who consistently performs poorly or does not contribute to their team’s success. Zombies are often criticized for their lack of skill or effort.
Understanding these terms and concepts will help you navigate the world of esports with greater ease and enjoyment. Whether you’re watching a match, playing a game, or just chatting with other fans, this glossary should serve as a valuable resource.