PauseChamp

PauseChamp is a variant of the popular PogChamp emote, but with a distinct closed-mouth expression. While PogChamp represents shock or excitement, PauseChamp symbolizes anticipation, suspense, or tension. The emote features a green Pepe the Frog character with wide eyes and a closed mouth, appearing to be holding their breath or pausing in anticipation.

This emote is used when viewers are waiting for something exciting to happen during a stream - essentially the moment right before a potential PogChamp reaction. It's the visual representation of that suspenseful pause before a climactic moment.

PauseChamp was first created and uploaded to FrankerFaceZ (FFZ) by a user named PaulieLUL on May 7, 2019. After being removed from FFZ, it was resubmitted to BetterTTV (BTTV) by user Nixi93 on May 11, 2019, where it gained widespread popularity.

The emote is based on the same source material as the original PogChamp - a video featuring Ryan "Gootecks" Gutierrez - but captures a different frame where his mouth is closed, creating the anticipatory expression. While the original PauseChamp was based on Gootecks, the green Pepe version shown in the image is one of many variants that have emerged across platforms like 7TV, BTTV, and FFZ.

Unlike the original PogChamp (which was removed from Twitch's global emotes in 2021), PauseChamp remains widely used through third-party emote extensions.

PauseChamp is typically used in Twitch chat in the following situations:

• During suspenseful moments in gameplay when something big is about to happen (like a boss fight, clutch play, or critical decision)
• When a streamer is about to reveal something important or exciting
• During countdown moments before a big announcement
• When viewers are collectively holding their breath in anticipation
• Right before what could be a PogChamp-worthy moment
• During loading screens or brief pauses when something exciting is imminent

The emote is often followed by PogChamp (or similar excitement emotes) once the anticipated moment actually happens, creating a narrative arc in chat reactions.