7 Main Esports Moments of 2024

2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil

2024 presented a fascinating blend of exhilarating victories and frustrating setbacks in the esports world. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while fresh talent emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that shaped the year.

Table of Contents

• Faker's Unprecedented Achievement
• A Legend Enters the Hall of Fame
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
• The Copenhagen Major's Disruption
• Hacking Scandal Rocks Apex Legends
• Saudi Arabia's Dominant Esports Presence
• Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Dip
• The Year's Top Performers

Faker's Unprecedented Achievement

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The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1's victory, securing Faker his fifth world championship title, transcended mere statistics. The team's journey was fraught with adversity, facing relentless DDoS attacks throughout the first half of the year, severely hindering their practice and almost costing them their Worlds qualification. Despite these obstacles, T1's triumphant return, particularly Faker's exceptional performance in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming, cemented his legendary status.

A Legend Enters the Hall of Fame

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Months before Worlds 2024, 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 recognition, representing one of the first publisher-backed halls of fame, promising long-term sustainability.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike

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While Faker solidified his GOAT status, 2024 witnessed the explosive arrival of Donk, a 17-year-old Siberian Counter-Strike prodigy. His unprecedented success, earning him Player of the Year honors as a rookie without specializing in the AWP role, propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major.

The Copenhagen Major's Disruption

The Copenhagen Major suffered a significant setback when individuals, allegedly representing a virtual casino protesting a rival, stormed the stage, causing damage and disrupting the event. This incident forced a reevaluation of tournament security and sparked a Coffeezilla investigation into potentially unethical practices within the esports industry.

Hacking Scandal Rocks Apex Legends

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament was marred by a hacking incident, where cheaters remotely compromised players' PCs. This, coupled with a major in-game bug, highlighted concerns about the game's stability and potentially contributed to player exodus.

Saudi Arabia's Dominant Esports Presence

Saudi Arabia's influence on the global esports scene continued to expand. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month spectacle encompassing 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools, showcased the nation's commitment to the industry. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, further solidified this growing dominance.

Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Dip

2024 presented contrasting fortunes for two prominent titles. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang's M6 World Championship demonstrated its surging popularity, boasting impressive viewership figures second only to League of Legends. Conversely, Dota 2's International faced a decline in both viewership and prize pool, reflecting a shift in the game's dynamics.

The Year's Top Performers

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 further excitement, with anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem and the emergence of new stars.