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 new stars emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective examines the pivotal moments that shaped the year.

Table of Contents

• Faker's Legendary Ascent
• A Hall of Fame Induction
• Donk's Meteoric Rise
• Copenhagen's Major Chaos
• Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal
• 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, led by the legendary Faker, secured their fifth world title. However, their victory was far from straightforward. Persistent DDoS attacks plagued T1 throughout the year, severely hindering their preparation and forcing them into a grueling qualifier for Worlds. Despite these obstacles, T1's triumphant run, particularly Faker's exceptional performance in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming, solidified his status as an unparalleled esports icon.

A Hall of Fame Induction

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Months before Worlds, Faker achieved another milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event was significant not only for Faker's achievement but also for marking a publisher's direct investment in esports hall of fame initiatives, suggesting a more sustainable future for such recognitions.

Donk's Meteoric Rise

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While Faker cemented his legacy, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, Donk, emerged as 2024's breakout star in Counter-Strike. 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 remarkable feat for a rookie.

Copenhagen's Major Chaos

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

Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal

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

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance

Saudi Arabia continued its aggressive expansion into esports, hosting the Esports World Cup 2024 – a two-month extravaganza featuring 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools. The significant investment and support provided to teams, notably Falcons Esports' club championship win, demonstrated Saudi Arabia's growing influence and potential impact on esports team management practices.

Mobile Legends' Surge and Dota 2's Dip

2024 showcased contrasting fortunes for different titles. The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M6 World Championship attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's global growth despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2's International event saw a decline in viewership and prize pool, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on in-game item sales to sustain the competitive scene.

The Best of 2024

In summary, our 2024 awards are:

• 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 esports landscape promises even more excitement in 2025, with anticipated changes in Counter-Strike, new tournaments, and the emergence of fresh talent.