7 Main Esports Moments of 2024

2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil

The esports landscape of 2024 was a rollercoaster, marked by both exhilarating victories and disheartening setbacks. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while new stars ascended to prominence. Let's review the pivotal moments that defined 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 Hackers Cause Havoc
• Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
• Mobile Legends' Ascent, Dota 2's Decline
• The Best of the Best

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Faker: The Greatest of All Time?

The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1, led by the legendary Faker, secured their fifth world title. However, their victory was far from straightforward. Persistent DDoS attacks plagued T1 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, cemented his legacy as a true esports icon.

Faker Enters the Hall of Fame

Prior to Worlds, Faker achieved another significant milestone: induction into Riot Games' official Hall of Legends. This event, accompanied by a commemorative in-game bundle, marked a significant step in publisher-backed esports recognition.

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Donk: The Counter-Strike Prodigy

While Faker reigned supreme in League of Legends, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, Donk, took the Counter-Strike world by storm. His aggressive, mobility-focused 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.

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Copenhagen Major: A Stain on the Scene

The Copenhagen Major was marred by significant controversy. Individuals protesting a rival virtual casino stormed the stage, damaging the trophy and tarnishing the event. This incident prompted increased security measures and a Coffeezilla investigation into shady practices within the industry.

Apex Legends: Hackers and a Broken Game

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a major disruption due to hackers remotely compromising players' PCs. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug, highlighted the game's current instability and raised concerns about player retention.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Investment

Saudi Arabia continued its aggressive expansion into esports, hosting the massive Esports World Cup 2024—a two-month extravaganza featuring 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools. The nation's investment in homegrown teams like Falcons Esports, who won the club championship, showcased its growing influence on the global esports scene.

Mobile Legends Rises, Dota 2 Falters

2024 saw a stark contrast between the burgeoning Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and the declining Dota 2. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends boasted impressive viewership, while Dota 2's International event struggled to generate comparable excitement, highlighting the changing dynamics within the MOBA genre.

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 further excitement, with anticipated changes to the Counter-Strike ecosystem, major tournaments, and the emergence of new esports stars.