7 Main Esports Moments of 2024

2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil

2024 presented a mixed bag for esports, a year marked by both exhilarating victories and significant setbacks. Established legends faced challenges, while fresh talent emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. Let's revisit 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 Esports Dominance
• Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Dip
• The Best of 2024

Faker's Legendary Status Solidified

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The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1, spearheaded by Faker, secured their fifth world title. This victory transcended mere statistics; it was a testament to resilience. T1 faced relentless DDoS attacks throughout the year, severely hindering their practice and almost costing them their Worlds qualification. Despite these obstacles, Faker's exceptional performance, particularly in the grand final against Bilibili Gaming, secured T1's triumph, solidifying his legacy as an esports icon.

Induction into the Hall of Legends

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Prior to Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: becoming the inaugural member of Riot Games' Hall of Legends. This event marked a significant step for esports recognition, representing a publisher-backed hall of fame designed for long-term sustainability. The accompanying in-game celebratory bundle also signaled a shift in esports monetization strategies.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike

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While Faker reigned supreme in League of Legends, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, Donk, emerged as Counter-Strike's breakout star. His unprecedented rookie Player of the Year award, achieved without specializing in the AWP role, highlighted his exceptional skill and aggressive playstyle. Donk led Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, solidifying his place as a force to be reckoned with.

The Copenhagen Major Chaos

The Copenhagen Major, however, was marred by controversy. Individuals associated with a virtual casino, protesting against a competitor, stormed the stage, causing damage and disrupting the event. This incident highlighted the need for enhanced security measures and sparked a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the esports industry, potentially leading to legal ramifications.

Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a significant blow due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs and introducing cheats. This incident, coupled with a major in-game bug, underscored the game's vulnerabilities and raised concerns about its future, potentially driving players towards alternative titles.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance

Saudi Arabia continued its aggressive expansion into esports, hosting the Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza featuring 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools. The substantial investment and support programs, culminating in Falcons Esports' club championship win, showcased Saudi Arabia's growing influence and potential to reshape team management strategies.

Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Dip

2024 witnessed contrasting fortunes for two prominent titles. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang's M6 World Championship attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating its global growth despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2's International faced declining viewership and prize pools, with Valve's decision to discontinue crowdfunding highlighting the reliance on in-game items rather than direct player/team support.

The Best of 2024

Our 2024 awards:

• 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

With anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem, promising tournaments, and the rise of new stars, 2025 promises to be another electrifying year for esports.