2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil
2024 presented a compelling mix of exhilarating victories and frustrating setbacks in the esports world. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while new stars ignited the scene. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that shaped the year.
Table of Contents
- Faker's Legendary Status Solidified
- Faker Enters the Hall of Legends
- Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
- Copenhagen Major's Tumultuous Aftermath
- Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal
- Saudi Arabia's Dominant Esports Investment
- 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 2024's esports narrative. T1's triumphant title defense, securing Faker's fifth world championship, transcended mere statistics. T1's journey was fraught with adversity, facing relentless DDoS attacks throughout the first half of the year, severely hindering practice and even impacting official LCK matches. Despite these obstacles, T1's remarkable comeback at Worlds, culminating in a nail-biting grand final victory against Bilibili Gaming, solidified Faker's legendary status. His exceptional performance, particularly in games four and five, proved instrumental in securing the win.
Faker Enters the Hall of Legends
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Months before Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event was significant not only for its symbolic value but also for its implications for the future of esports recognition, marking a publisher-backed hall of fame designed for lasting impact. The accompanying, expensive in-game celebratory bundle also signaled a shift in esports monetization strategies.
Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
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While Faker cemented his GOAT status, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, Donk, emerged as 2024's breakout star in Counter-Strike. His unprecedented rookie Player of the Year win, achieved without specializing in the AWP role, is a testament to his exceptional skill. Donk's aggressive playstyle, characterized by precise aim and remarkable mobility, propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, concluding a phenomenal year.
Copenhagen Major's Tumultuous Aftermath
The Copenhagen Major, however, presented a stark contrast. The tournament was disrupted when individuals, motivated by financial disputes between rival virtual casinos, stormed the stage, causing damage to the trophy. This incident had far-reaching consequences, tightening security protocols and prompting a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the esports, influencer, and even Valve communities. Potential legal ramifications remain to be seen.
Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal
The Copenhagen Major wasn't the only event marred by controversy. The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a significant disruption due to hackers remotely installing cheats onto players' PCs. This incident, coupled with a major bug that reversed player progress, highlighted the game's instability and sparked concern among players, potentially leading to a shift in player interest.
Saudi Arabia's Dominant Esports Investment
Saudi Arabia's growing influence in esports continued to solidify in 2024. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza encompassing 20 disciplines and offering substantial prize pools, was a defining event. The extensive support program for teams, culminating in Falcons Esports' championship victory, showcased the nation's significant investment and its impact on the esports landscape.
Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Dip
2024 showcased contrasting fortunes for different titles. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang demonstrated impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, highlighting the game's global growth despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline in both viewership and prize pool, with Valve's decision to discontinue crowdfunding experiments revealing the limitations of past reliance on in-game item sales rather than direct player and team support.
The Best of 2024
In summary, our 2024 esports awards are:
- 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 even more thrilling competition, anticipated changes within the Counter-Strike ecosystem, and the emergence of new esports stars.
