eSports Thrills: 2024's Top Moments

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 Status Solidified
• Faker Enters the Hall of Legends
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
• The Copenhagen Major's Chaotic Aftermath
• Hacking Scandal Rocks Apex Legends Tournament
• Saudi Arabia's Dominance in Esports
• Mobile Legends Bang Bang's Ascent, Dota 2's Decline
• The Best of 2024

Faker's Legendary Status Solidified

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The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports calendar. T1, led by the legendary Faker, successfully defended their title, securing Faker's fifth world championship. This victory transcended mere statistics; it was a testament to resilience. T1 faced significant adversity in the first half of the year, enduring relentless DDoS attacks that severely hampered their training and participation in local and even international events. Despite these obstacles, T1's triumphant return in the World Championship finals against Bilibili Gaming, particularly Faker's exceptional performance in games four and five, cemented his status as an unparalleled esports icon.

Faker Enters the Hall of Legends

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Months before the World Championship, Faker achieved another significant milestone: induction into Riot Games' official Hall of Legends. This marked not only a personal triumph but also a significant step for esports recognition, representing one of the first publisher-backed halls of fame, promising long-term sustainability. The event was further highlighted by Riot's release of a commemorative in-game bundle, signifying a new era in esports monetization.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike

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While Faker solidified his legacy, 2024 saw the emergence of a new star: 17-year-old Donk from Siberia. His explosive entry into the Counter-Strike scene, marked by an aggressive playstyle and unparalleled aim, 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, especially considering his unconventional avoidance of the AWP role.

The Copenhagen Major's Chaotic Aftermath

The Copenhagen Major, however, cast a shadow over Counter-Strike's success. A disruptive protest by individuals associated with a virtual casino, motivated by a dispute with a competitor, led to stage invasion and trophy damage. This incident forced a reevaluation of tournament security and triggered a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices involving casinos, influencers, and even Valve, potentially leading to significant legal ramifications.

Hacking Scandal Rocks Apex Legends Tournament

The Copenhagen Major wasn't the only event plagued by controversy. The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a major disruption due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug that rolled back player progress, highlighted serious issues within Apex Legends, prompting many players to consider alternative games and raising concerns about the game's future.

Saudi Arabia's Dominance in Esports

Saudi Arabia's influence on the esports landscape continued to expand in 2024. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month spectacle encompassing 20 disciplines and offering substantial prize pools, showcased this growing dominance. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, in winning the club championship, further solidified the nation's impact, demonstrating the power of strategic investment and potentially inspiring improved management practices within the esports industry.

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

2024 witnessed contrasting fortunes for two prominent titles. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang drew impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, highlighting the game's rapid growth despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline, with The International generating underwhelming viewership and prize pools, prompting Valve to discontinue crowdfunding experiments and revealing the overreliance on in-game items for past success.

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 continued excitement, with anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem, thrilling tournaments, and the emergence of new esports stars.