Esports Milestones in 2024: Seven Key Moments

2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil

2024 delivered a rollercoaster ride of esports action, marked by both exhilarating victories and unsettling controversies. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while fresh talent emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that shaped the year in esports.

Table of Contents

• Faker's Legendary Ascent
• A Hall of Fame Induction
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS
• Copenhagen Major Chaos
• Apex Legends Hackers Strike
• Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
• Mobile Legends' Boom, Dota 2's Dip
• The Best of 2024

Faker's Legendary Ascent

Image: x.com

The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1, led by Faker, secured their fifth world title. This victory transcended mere statistics; it was a testament to resilience. T1 faced relentless DDoS attacks throughout the year, severely hindering their practice and nearly jeopardizing their Worlds qualification. Their eventual triumph, particularly Faker's masterful performance in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming, cemented his status as an unparalleled esports legend.

A Hall of Fame Induction

Image: x.com

Months before Worlds, Faker achieved another milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event signified not only Faker's individual achievement but also the growing legitimacy and publisher support within esports halls of fame, promising a more sustainable future for such recognitions.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS

Image: x.com

While Faker reigned supreme in League of Legends, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, Donk, emerged as Counter-Strike's breakout star. His aggressive, mobility-focused playstyle, defying the typical AWP reliance, propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major and secured 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 disruption. 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 shady practices within the esports gambling industry, potentially leading to legal ramifications.

Apex Legends Hackers Strike

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 reset player progress, highlighted significant issues within Apex Legends, potentially driving players towards alternative titles.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued to expand, culminating in the massive Esports World Cup 2024. This two-month spectacle, encompassing 20 disciplines and boasting substantial prize pools, along with substantial team support programs, solidified Saudi Arabia's position as a major player in the global esports scene. The success of homegrown organization Falcons Esports further underscored this growing influence.

Mobile Legends' Boom, Dota 2's Dip

2024 showcased contrasting fortunes for different titles. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang's M6 World Championship attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's remarkable growth despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2's International faced a decline in viewership and prize pool, reflecting a shift away from crowdfunding models and highlighting the importance of in-game item sales in driving past success.

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 to the Counter-Strike ecosystem, promising tournaments, and the rise of new stars, 2025 promises even greater excitement.