Esports Highlights of '24: 7 Unforgettable Moments

2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil

2024 presented a mixed bag for esports, a year of exhilarating victories and frustrating setbacks. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while rising stars burst onto the scene. Let's revisit the pivotal moments that defined the year.

Table of Contents

• Faker's Legendary Ascent
• A Hall of Fame Induction
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS
• Copenhagen Major Chaos
• Apex Legends Hacked
• Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
• Mobile Legends' Surge, 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 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 a spot at Worlds. Their triumphant grand final against Bilibili Gaming, particularly Faker's masterful performances in games four and five, solidified his status as an unparalleled esports legend.

A Hall of Fame Induction

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Prior to Worlds, Faker achieved another significant milestone: induction into Riot Games' Hall of Legends, a momentous occasion marking a new era of publisher-backed esports recognition and highlighting innovative in-game monetization strategies.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS

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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 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 remarkable feat for a rookie.

Copenhagen Major Chaos

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

Apex Legends Hacked

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a severe setback due to hackers remotely compromising players' PCs. This, coupled with a major in-game bug, highlighted the game's vulnerabilities and sparked concerns about player retention.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued to expand, culminating in the two-month Esports World Cup 2024, a massive event encompassing 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, in the club championship showcased the impact of strategic investment and potentially sets a new benchmark for team management.

Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Dip

2024 saw contrasting fortunes for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Dota 2. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang drew impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's global growth despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2's International faced declining viewership and prize pools, reflecting a 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

With anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem, promising tournaments, and emerging talent, 2025 promises to be another exciting year for esports.