2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil
2024 was a year of significant highs and lows in the world of esports. Established legends cemented their legacies, while newcomers burst onto the scene, shaking up the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that defined the year.
Table of Contents:
- Faker's Legendary Reign
- A Hall of Fame Induction
- Donk's Meteoric Rise
- Copenhagen's Chaos
- Apex Legends Hacked
- Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
- Mobile Legends' Ascent, Dota 2's Decline
- The Best of 2024
Faker's Legendary Reign
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The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1, led by Faker, secured their fifth world title, a feat made even more remarkable by the challenges they faced. Persistent DDoS attacks plagued T1 throughout the first half of the year, severely hindering their practice and almost costing them a spot at Worlds. Their eventual victory, especially their comeback in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming, showcased Faker's unparalleled skill and cemented his status as one of the greatest esports players of all time.
A Hall of Fame Induction
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Prior to Worlds, Faker achieved another milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event marked a significant step for esports recognition, representing a publisher-backed hall of fame designed for longevity, accompanied by a celebratory in-game bundle.
Donk's Meteoric Rise
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While Faker reigned supreme in League of Legends, 2024 saw the emergence of Donk, a 17-year-old Siberian Counter-Strike prodigy. 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 rare achievement for a rookie.
Copenhagen's Chaos
The Copenhagen Major was marred by significant controversy. Individuals associated with a virtual casino, protesting against a competitor, stormed the stage, causing damage and disrupting the event. This incident highlighted the need for enhanced security measures and triggered a Coffeezilla investigation into shady practices within the esports and gambling industries, potentially leading to legal ramifications.
Apex Legends Hacked
The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a major setback due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs and installing cheats. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug, highlighted concerns about the game's current state and potentially contributed to player migration to other titles.
Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
Saudi Arabia continued its significant investment in esports, hosting the Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month spectacle encompassing 20 disciplines and boasting substantial prize pools. The extensive support program, including investments in teams like Falcons Esports (who won the club championship), underscores Saudi Arabia's growing influence on the global esports scene.
Mobile Legends' Ascent, Dota 2's Decline
2024 showcased contrasting fortunes for two prominent titles. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang drew impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's expanding popularity despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline in viewership and prize pool, with Valve's decision to end crowdfunding highlighting the reliance on in-game items rather than direct player or team support.
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 to the Counter-Strike ecosystem and the continued rise of new talent, 2025 promises even more excitement in the world of esports.
