2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil
2024 presented a captivating blend of exhilarating victories and unforeseen setbacks in the esports world. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while rising stars burst onto the scene, reshaping the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that defined the year.
Table of Contents:
- Faker's Legendary Ascent
- A Hall of Fame Induction
- Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS
- Copenhagen Major Chaos
- Apex Legends Hacked
- Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
- Mobile Legends' Surge, 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 Faker, secured their fifth world title. However, their victory was far from straightforward. Persistent DDoS attacks plagued T1 throughout the first half of the year, severely hindering their practice and almost costing them their Worlds qualification. Their triumphant comeback in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming, particularly Faker's exceptional performance in games four and five, cemented his status as an unparalleled esports legend.
A Hall of Fame Induction
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Months before Worlds, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event marked not only a personal triumph but also a significant step for esports, representing one of the first publisher-backed halls of fame, ensuring its long-term viability.
Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS
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While Faker solidified his GOAT status, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, donk, emerged as 2024's breakout star in Counter-Strike. His unconventional, aggressive playstyle, characterized by exceptional aim and mobility, propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, earning him the coveted Player of the Year award—a remarkable feat for a rookie.
Copenhagen Major Chaos
The Copenhagen Major, however, was marred by significant controversy. Individuals associated with a virtual casino, protesting against a competitor, stormed the stage, damaging the trophy. This incident forced a reassessment of tournament security and triggered a Coffeezilla investigation into potentially unethical practices within the esports ecosystem, involving casinos, influencers, and even Valve.
Apex Legends Hacked
The ALGS Apex Legends tournament also suffered from disruption, with hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs and installing cheats. This incident, coupled with a major in-game bug that rolled back player progress, highlighted serious issues within the game, potentially driving players towards alternative titles.
Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
Saudi Arabia's influence on the esports scene continued to expand. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza encompassing 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools, showcased their commitment to the industry. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian team, in the club championship, further cemented their growing impact.
Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Dip
2024 witnessed contrasting fortunes for two prominent titles. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang's M6 World Championship attracted massive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's global growth despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2's International faced a decline in viewership and prize pool, reflecting a shift away from the previous crowdfunding model.
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 in the Counter-Strike landscape and a new generation of rising stars, 2025 promises even greater excitement in the world of esports.
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