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 in 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 Unprecedented Reign
• A Legend Enshrined
• Donk's Meteoric Rise
• Copenhagen's Chaos
• Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal
• Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
• Mobile Legends' Ascent, Dota 2's Decline
• The Best of 2024

Faker's Unprecedented Reign

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The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports narrative. T1, spearheaded by Faker, secured their fifth world title. This achievement transcended mere statistics; it underscored resilience. T1 faced relentless DDoS attacks during the first half of the year, severely hampering their practice and almost costing them a Worlds berth. Their eventual triumph, particularly Faker's masterful performance in the Grand Finals against Bilibili Gaming, solidified his legendary status.

A Legend Enshrined

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Prior to Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' Hall of Legends. This inaugural entry, celebrated with a premium in-game bundle, marked a significant step in publisher-supported esports halls of fame, promising greater longevity for such recognitions.

Donk's Meteoric Rise

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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 Player of the Year win, achieved without specializing in the AWP role, showcased an aggressive playstyle defined by precision and mobility. Donk led Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, concluding a remarkable year.

Copenhagen's Chaos

The Copenhagen Major was marred by significant disruption when individuals, motivated by a dispute between rival virtual casinos, stormed the stage and vandalized the trophy. This incident resulted in heightened security measures at future tournaments and triggered a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the esports gambling and influencer landscape, potentially leading to legal ramifications.

Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a major setback due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs and introducing cheats. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug that reversed player progress, highlighted significant issues within Apex Legends, potentially driving players towards alternative games.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued its expansion. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month spectacle encompassing 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools, showcased this growth. The strong support program, exemplified by Falcons Esports' club championship win, underscores Saudi Arabia's strategic investment in the esports ecosystem.

Mobile Legends' Ascent, Dota 2's Decline

2024 presented contrasting narratives for two prominent titles. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's expanding global reach despite a relatively modest prize pool. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline in both viewership and prize pool for The International, highlighting the limitations of past crowdfunding models.

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 further excitement, with anticipated changes within the Counter-Strike ecosystem, significant tournaments, and the rise of new stars.