7 Main Esports Moments of 2024

2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil

2024 presented a captivating blend of exhilarating victories and frustrating setbacks in the esports world. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while fresh talent emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that shaped the year.

Table of Contents

• Faker's Legendary Status Solidified
• Induction into the Hall of Legends
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
• The Copenhagen Major Chaos
• Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal
• Saudi Arabia's Dominating Esports Presence
• Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Dip
• The Best of 2024

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Faker's Legendary Status Solidified

The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports calendar. T1, led by Faker, successfully defended their title, securing Faker's fifth world championship. This victory transcended mere statistics; it underscored resilience. T1 faced significant obstacles in the first half of the year, enduring persistent DDoS attacks that hampered their training and even participation in official matches. Despite these setbacks, T1's triumphant run, culminating in a thrilling grand final against Bilibili Gaming, cemented Faker's legacy as an unparalleled esports icon. His exceptional performance, particularly in games four and five, proved instrumental in securing the victory.

Induction into the Hall of Legends

Months before Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This accolade held immense significance, not only for its prestigious nature but also for representing a publisher-backed esports hall of fame, promising long-term recognition. The event was further marked by Riot's release of a commemorative in-game bundle, signifying a new era of esports monetization.

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Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike

While Faker cemented his GOAT status, 2024 witnessed the explosive arrival of Donk, a 17-year-old Siberian Counter-Strike prodigy. His exceptional skill and aggressive playstyle propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, earning him the coveted Player of the Year award—a remarkable feat for a rookie, especially considering his avoidance of the typically statistically advantageous AWP role.

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The Copenhagen Major Chaos

The Copenhagen Major, however, presented a stark contrast. A disruptive incident involving individuals claiming monetary rewards from a virtual casino protesting against a competitor led to stage invasion and trophy damage. This incident significantly impacted the esports landscape, leading to heightened security measures and a Coffeezilla investigation exposing questionable practices within the industry.

Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal

The Copenhagen Major wasn't the only event marred by controversy. The ALGS Apex Legends tournament experienced a major disruption due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs. This incident, coupled with a significant in-game bug that reversed player progress, highlighted serious issues within the game, potentially impacting its player base.

Saudi Arabia's Dominating Esports Presence

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued to expand, with the Esports World Cup 2024 serving as a flagship event. Spanning two months and encompassing 20 disciplines, the tournament offered substantial prize pools and a comprehensive support program for teams. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, in winning the club championship underscored the nation's growing impact on the global esports scene.

Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Dip

2024 showcased contrasting fortunes for different titles. The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M6 World Championship attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's expanding popularity despite a relatively modest prize pool. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline in viewership and prize pool, with Valve's decision to discontinue crowdfunding highlighting the shifting dynamics within the game's ecosystem.

The Best of 2024

In summary, our 2024 awards are:

• Game of the Year: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
• Match of the Year: LoL Worlds 2024 Finals (T1 vs. BLG)
• Player of the Year: Donk
• Club of the Year: Team Spirit
• Event of the Year: Esports World Cup 2024
• Soundtrack of the Year: Heavy is the Crown by Linkin Park

2025 promises to be another exciting year, with anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem, major tournaments, and the emergence of new stars.