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 rising stars emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that shaped the year.

Table of Contents:

• Faker's Legendary Ascent
• Induction into the Hall of Legends
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
• Copenhagen Major Chaos
• Apex Legends Hackers Strike
• Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
• Mobile Legends' Surge and Dota 2's Dip
• The Best of 2024

Faker's Legendary Ascent

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The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1, led by the legendary Faker, secured their fifth world title. This victory transcended mere statistics; it was a testament to resilience. T1 faced relentless DDoS attacks throughout the first half of the year, severely hampering their practice and almost costing them a Worlds berth. Their triumphant run, culminating in a nail-biting grand final against Bilibili Gaming, solidified Faker's status as an unparalleled esports icon. His exceptional performance, particularly in games four and five, single-handedly secured T1's victory.

Induction into the Hall of Legends

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Months before Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental feat: becoming the inaugural member of Riot Games' official Hall of Legends. This event marked a significant step for esports recognition, signifying a publisher's direct investment in preserving esports history. The release of a commemorative in-game bundle further underscored the event's importance.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike

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While Faker cemented his legacy, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, Donk, emerged as 2024's breakout star in Counter-Strike. His unprecedented success, claiming the Player of the Year title as a rookie without specializing in the AWP, is a testament to his exceptional skill. His aggressive, mobility-focused playstyle propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major.

Copenhagen Major Chaos

The Copenhagen Major was overshadowed by a significant disruption. Individuals, motivated by a dispute between rival virtual casinos, stormed the stage, damaging the trophy. This incident resulted in heightened security measures at future tournaments and triggered a Coffeezilla investigation, exposing questionable practices within the industry.

Apex Legends Hackers Strike

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a severe blow due to hackers remotely compromising players' PCs. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug, highlighted the game's vulnerabilities and led to player exodus, raising concerns for the game's future.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued to expand. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza featuring 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools, showcased their commitment. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, in the club championship, underscored the impact of strategic investment in the region.

Mobile Legends' Surge and Dota 2's Dip

2024 presented contrasting fortunes for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Dota 2. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang demonstrated impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, highlighting the game's global appeal. Conversely, Dota 2's International event experienced a decline in viewership and prize pool, reflecting the impact of Valve's shift away from crowdfunding models.

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

2025 promises even more thrilling competition and unexpected developments in the ever-evolving world of esports.