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 newcomers burst onto the scene, reshaping the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that defined the year.

Table of Contents:

• Faker's Legendary Ascent
• Induction into the Hall of Legends
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS
• Copenhagen Major Chaos
• Apex Legends Hackers Strike
• Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
• Mobile Legends' Boom, Dota 2's Slump
• The Best of 2024

Faker's Legendary Ascent

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The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1, spearheaded by Faker, secured their fifth world title. However, their victory was far from straightforward. Persistent DDoS attacks plagued T1 throughout the year, severely hampering their practice and nearly costing them a spot at Worlds. Their eventual triumph, particularly Faker's masterful performance in the final games against Bilibili Gaming, solidified his status as an unparalleled esports legend.

Induction into the Hall of Legends

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Prior to Worlds, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: becoming the inaugural member of Riot Games' Hall of Legends. This event marked not only a personal achievement but also a significant step for esports recognition, signifying a publisher's direct investment in preserving esports history.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS

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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 aggressive, mobility-focused playstyle, defying the typical AWP reliance, propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major and earned him the coveted Player of the Year award – a rare feat for a rookie.

Copenhagen Major Chaos

The Copenhagen Major was marred by significant disruption when individuals, motivated by a dispute between rival virtual casinos, stormed the stage and damaged the trophy. This incident forced a reevaluation of tournament security and sparked a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the esports and gambling industries.

Apex Legends Hackers Strike

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a serious setback due to hackers remotely compromising players' PCs. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug affecting player progress, highlighted significant issues within Apex Legends, potentially driving players towards alternative games.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance

Saudi Arabia continued its aggressive expansion into esports, hosting the Esports World Cup 2024 – a two-month extravaganza encompassing 20 disciplines and boasting substantial prize pools. The significant investment in teams, exemplified by Falcons Esports' championship win, signals Saudi Arabia's growing influence on the global esports scene.

Mobile Legends' Boom, Dota 2's Slump

2024 showcased contrasting fortunes for different titles. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang experienced a surge in popularity, its M6 World Championship achieving impressive viewership numbers, second only to League of Legends. Conversely, Dota 2 witnessed a decline in both viewership and prize pool, highlighting the impact of Valve's shift away from crowdfunding models.

The Best of 2024

• 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 within the esports landscape.