Ajax: What Does the Term "Ajax" Mean in Overwatch 2?

In Overwatch 2, the term "Ajax" is used within the competitive scene to describe a specific gameplay scenario involving interrupted ultimates^[1]. This term has an interesting backstory and has evolved to encompass broader situations in the game.

What is the Origin of the Term "Ajax"?

The term "Ajax" originates from a memorable incident involving former Overwatch Contenders player Ajax during the 2018 season. Ajax was known for his role as a Lúcio specialist on ATL Academy. In a critical grand finals match against Fusion University, Ajax faced a series of unfortunate events where his Lúcio ultimate, Sound Barrier (or "beat"), was repeatedly interrupted. 

This led to a significant disadvantage for his team, as Sound Barrier^[2] is crucial for providing protection during team fights. The repeated failures to cast the ultimate correctly led to the term "Ajax beat," which later evolved into simply "Ajax."

How is Ajax Used in Competitive Play?

In the Overwatch community, Ajax specifically refers to a situation where a Lúcio player's Sound Barrier is interrupted before it can be fully deployed. This interruption can drastically affect a team’s strategy, as Sound Barrier is vital for absorbing damage and enabling aggressive plays. The term has expanded beyond Lúcio to describe any interrupted ultimate, especially given the fast-paced nature of Overwatch 2 and the introduction of new heroes and abilities.

How Has the Term Evolved?

During the 2022 Overwatch League season, Ajax became a more general term for any interrupted ultimate. This includes ultimates from heroes like Sojourn and Brigitte, as their powerful abilities can also be disrupted mid-cast. For example, Houston Outlaws’ Danteh coined the term "Queenjax" to describe an interrupted Junker Queen ultimate, demonstrating the term’s broader application. 

Nowadays, the Ajax has become one of the biggest memes among overwatch players. Used frequently even in common games among casual players.

Conclusion

The term "Ajax" in Overwatch 2 highlights the critical importance of ultimate ability timing and its impact on competitive play. From its origins with a single player's misfortune to its evolution into a term encompassing various interrupted ultimates, "Ajax" serves as a reminder of the high stakes in Overwatch 2 matches.

References

1. [1] "Ultimate". overwatch.fandom.com. Retrieved August 03, 2024
2. [2] "Sound Barrier". overwatch-archive.fandom.com. Retrieved August 03, 2024