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 within the esports world. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while fresh talent emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that shaped 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

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Faker's Legendary Ascent:

The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports narrative. T1, led by the iconic Faker, secured their fifth world title. However, their journey was far from smooth. Persistent DDoS attacks plagued T1 throughout the first half of the year, severely hindering their practice and almost costing them a spot in Worlds. Their eventual triumph, particularly Faker's masterful performance in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming, cemented his legacy as a true esports legend.

A Hall of Fame Induction:

Months before Worlds, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event, accompanied by a lucrative in-game celebratory bundle, marked a significant step in publisher-backed esports recognition programs.

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Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS:

While Faker solidified his GOAT status, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, Donk, emerged as 2024's breakout star in Counter-Strike. His aggressive, mobility-focused playstyle propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, earning him the prestigious Player of the Year award – a remarkable feat for a rookie.

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Copenhagen Major Chaos:

The Copenhagen Major was overshadowed by a significant incident: individuals associated with a virtual casino disrupted the event, damaging the trophy. This incident prompted increased security measures and a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the gaming industry.

Apex Legends Hacked:

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a major setback due to hackers remotely compromising players' PCs. This, coupled with a game-breaking bug, highlighted concerns about the game's stability and led to player exodus.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance:

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued its upward trajectory. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza spanning 20 disciplines and boasting substantial prize pools, showcased their growing commitment. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian team, further solidified the nation's position.

Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Dip:

2024 showcased contrasting fortunes for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Dota 2. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating its global appeal. Conversely, Dota 2's International tournament experienced a decline in viewership and prize pool, reflecting challenges in sustaining its popularity.

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

With anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem and a new wave of talent on the horizon, 2025 promises even more excitement.