2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil
2024 delivered a rollercoaster ride of esports action, marked by both exhilarating victories and significant setbacks. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while rising stars emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that shaped the year in esports.
Table of Contents:
- Faker's Legendary Status Solidified
- Induction into the Hall of Legends
- Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
- Copenhagen Major Chaos
- Apex Legends Hackers Strike
- Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
- Mobile Legends' Ascent, Dota 2's Decline
- The Best of 2024
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Faker's Legendary Status Solidified:
The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1, led by the legendary Faker, successfully defended their title, securing Faker's fifth world championship. This victory was particularly remarkable considering T1's struggles in the first half of the year due to persistent DDoS attacks that severely hampered their training and participation in the Korean League of Legends Championship (LCK). Their eventual triumph, especially Faker's pivotal performance in the Grand Finals against Bilibili Gaming, cemented his status as an unparalleled esports icon.
Induction into the Hall of Legends:
Prior to Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' official Hall of Legends. This inaugural entry, accompanied by a commemorative in-game bundle, marked a significant step for esports recognition, representing a publisher-backed hall of fame designed for lasting impact.
Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike:
While Faker reigned supreme in League of Legends, 2024 saw the explosive arrival of Donk, a 17-year-old Siberian Counter-Strike prodigy. His exceptional skill and aggressive playstyle propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, earning him the prestigious Player of the Year award—a rare feat for a rookie, especially without specializing in the AWP role.
Copenhagen Major Chaos:
The Copenhagen Major cast a shadow over Counter-Strike's year. A disruptive protest by individuals associated with a virtual casino, fueled by a rivalry with a competitor, resulted in stage invasion and trophy damage. This incident significantly impacted the tournament atmosphere, leading to increased security measures and a Coffeezilla investigation exposing questionable practices within the casino, influencer, and even Valve ecosystems.
Apex Legends Hackers Strike:
The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a significant blow from hackers who remotely compromised participants' PCs, installing cheats. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug that reversed player progress, highlighted serious issues within Apex Legends, prompting player migration to other titles.
Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance:
Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued its upward trajectory. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza encompassing 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools, showcased this growing power. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, in winning the club championship, underscored the impact of strategic investment and team management.
Mobile Legends' Ascent, Dota 2's Decline:
2024 presented contrasting fortunes for two prominent titles. The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M6 World Championship attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, showcasing the game's global growth despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a downturn, with The International generating less hype and smaller prize pools, reflecting a shift away from crowdfunding models and highlighting the importance of in-game item sales in past successes.
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
The year ahead promises continued excitement, with anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike landscape, major tournaments, and the emergence of new esports stars. Here's to a thrilling 2025!
