The 'Gulag' meme originates from the 2020 battle royale sensation Call of Duty: Warzone, where players who die in-game are sent to a prison-like arena for a 1v1 duel to earn a second chance at life. The phrase 'Welcome to the Gulag' became an instant cultural touchstone, transcending gaming to describe any high-stakes, high-pressure situation where one must prove themselves or face permanent failure. The meme is frequently used to represent office rivalries, academic challenges, or humorous real-life confrontations where only one person can emerge victorious.