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 newcomers burst onto the scene, reshaping the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that defined the year.

Table of Contents

• Faker's Legendary Status Solidified
• Faker Enters the Hall of Legends
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
• The Copenhagen Major Chaos
• Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal
• Saudi Arabia's Dominating Esports Presence
• Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Dip
• The Best of 2024

Faker's Legendary Status Solidified

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The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports calendar. T1, led by the phenomenal Faker, successfully defended their title, securing Faker's fifth world championship. However, the victory was far from straightforward. The team faced relentless DDoS attacks throughout the first half of the year, severely hindering their practice and almost costing them a spot in the Worlds tournament. Despite these obstacles, T1’s performance in the grand final against Bilibili Gaming showcased Faker's exceptional skill and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest esports players of all time. His performance in games four and five, in particular, was instrumental in securing T1's victory.

Faker Inducted into the Hall of Legends

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Months before Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another significant milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event marked a pivotal moment, not only for Faker but also for esports as a whole. It represented a significant step forward in publisher-backed esports recognition, suggesting a more sustainable future for esports halls of fame.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike

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While Faker solidified his position as a legend, 2024 also saw the emergence of a new star: 17-year-old Donk from Siberia. His explosive entry into the Counter-Strike scene, marked by an aggressive playstyle and exceptional aim, led Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major and earned him the coveted Player of the Year award—a remarkable achievement for a rookie.

The Copenhagen Major Chaos

The Copenhagen Major, however, was overshadowed by significant controversy. Individuals associated with a virtual casino, protesting against a rival, stormed the stage, causing damage and disrupting the event. This incident forced a reassessment of tournament security and triggered an investigation by Coffeezilla, revealing questionable practices within the gaming industry.

Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal

The Apex Legends ALGS tournament also suffered from significant disruption due to hackers remotely compromising players' PCs. This incident, coupled with a major in-game bug, highlighted concerns about the game's security and stability, potentially impacting its player base.

Saudi Arabia's Dominating Esports Presence

Saudi Arabia continued its expansion into the esports arena, hosting the Esports World Cup 2024—a two-month spectacle encompassing 20 disciplines and offering substantial prize pools. The event showcased Saudi Arabia's growing influence, particularly with the success of Falcons Esports, a domestically funded organization that won the club championship.

Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Dip

2024 presented contrasting fortunes for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Dota 2. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, despite a relatively modest prize pool. Conversely, Dota 2's International tournament saw a decline in both viewership and prize pool, prompting Valve to discontinue crowdfunding experiments.

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 to be another exciting year for esports, with anticipated changes to the Counter-Strike ecosystem, major tournaments, and the continued rise of new stars.