Epic Esports Moments Reign Supreme in 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 fresh talent emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective examines the pivotal moments that shaped the year.

Image: x.com

Faker's Legendary Fifth World Championship

The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1, led by the iconic Faker, secured their fifth world title, a feat amplified by the adversity they overcame. Persistent DDoS attacks severely hampered T1's preparation throughout the year, nearly derailing their qualification for Worlds. Despite this, their triumphant grand final against Bilibili Gaming, particularly Faker's exceptional performance in games four and five, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest esports players of all time.

Image: x.com

Faker Enters the Hall of Legends

Prior to Worlds, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event not only celebrated Faker's career but also marked a significant step for esports, showcasing the growing publisher support for long-term legacy recognition.

Image: x.com

The Meteoric Rise of Donk

While Faker reigned supreme in League of Legends, Counter-Strike saw the emergence of Donk, a 17-year-old Siberian prodigy. His aggressive playstyle and exceptional aim propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, earning him the coveted Player of the Year award – a remarkable achievement for a rookie.

Copenhagen Major Chaos

The Copenhagen Major, however, was marred by significant disruption. Individuals associated with a virtual casino, protesting against a competitor, stormed the stage, damaging the trophy and causing widespread chaos. This incident prompted heightened security measures and a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the esports gambling industry, highlighting a darker side of the scene.

Apex Legends Hackers and Game Instability

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a setback due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs. This incident, coupled with a major in-game bug that reversed player progress, exposed serious issues within the game, causing concern among players and fans.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Investment

Saudi Arabia's influence on the esports landscape continued to grow, with the Esports World Cup 2024 – a two-month extravaganza featuring 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools – showcasing its commitment to the industry. The success of the homegrown Falcons Esports team, fueled by significant investment, demonstrates the potential impact of strategic backing.

Mobile Legends Bang Bang's Ascent and Dota 2's Decline

2024 witnessed contrasting fortunes for two major titles. Mobile Legends Bang Bang's M6 World Championship attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, highlighting its global growth. Conversely, Dota 2's International tournament saw a decline in both viewership and prize pool, reflecting a shift in the game's dynamics and Valve's altered approach to crowdfunding.

2024 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

2024 proved to be a year of significant change and memorable moments within the esports world. With anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem and the emergence of new talent, 2025 promises even more excitement.