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 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
• Induction into the Hall of Legends
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
• The 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's triumphant title defense solidified Faker's status as a five-time world champion. However, the victory's significance extends beyond the impressive statistics. T1 faced relentless DDoS attacks throughout the first half of the year, severely hindering their practice and almost jeopardizing their Worlds qualification. Their eventual triumph, particularly Faker's exceptional performance in the grand final against Bilibili Gaming, underscores his unparalleled skill and legendary status.

Induction into the Hall of Legends

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Prior to Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: becoming the inaugural member of Riot Games' official Hall of Legends. This event marked a significant step for esports recognition, representing one of the first publisher-backed halls of fame, promising long-term preservation of esports history. The accompanying in-game celebratory bundle also signaled a shift in esports monetization strategies.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike

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While Faker cemented his GOAT status, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, Donk, emerged as 2024's breakout star in Counter-Strike. His unprecedented rookie success, culminating in a Player of the Year award, is remarkable, especially considering his eschewal of the statistically favored AWP role. Donk's aggressive, mobility-focused gameplay propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major.

The Copenhagen Major Chaos

The Copenhagen Major, however, witnessed a significant downturn. Individuals claiming monetary incentives disrupted the event, causing damage to the trophy. The perpetrators, linked to a virtual casino protesting against a competitor, triggered a cascade of consequences. Increased security measures became the norm, and Coffeezilla's subsequent investigation uncovered questionable practices within the casino, influencer, and even Valve spheres, potentially leading to legal ramifications.

Apex Legends Hackers Strike

The Copenhagen Major wasn't the only event impacted by disruptive forces. The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a significant setback due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs. This incident, coupled with a major in-game bug affecting player progress, highlighted the game's vulnerabilities and sparked concerns about player retention.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued its expansion. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza spanning 20 disciplines and boasting substantial prize pools, solidified its position as a major player. The comprehensive support program for teams, notably leading to Falcons Esports' championship win, showcases the nation's strategic investment and potential impact on team management practices.

Mobile Legends' Surge and Dota 2's Dip

2024 witnessed contrasting fortunes for two prominent titles. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang demonstrated impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, highlighting the game's global growth despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline in viewership and prize pool, with Valve's termination of crowdfunding initiatives suggesting that past success relied heavily on in-game item sales rather than direct player or team support.

The Best of 2024

In summary, 2024's esports 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

The future of esports promises even greater excitement, with anticipated changes to the Counter-Strike ecosystem, upcoming tournaments, and the emergence of new stars. Here's to a thrilling 2025!