2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil
2024 witnessed a whirlwind 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 Reign
- Induction into the Hall of Legends
- Donk's Meteoric Rise
- Copenhagen Major Chaos
- Apex Legends Hacked
- Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
- Mobile Legends' Ascent, Dota 2's Decline
- The Best of 2024
Faker's Legendary Reign
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The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1, led by the legendary 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 nearly costing them a spot at Worlds. Despite these challenges, T1's triumphant return, particularly Faker's masterful performance in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming, cemented his status as a true esports icon.
Induction into the Hall of Legends
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Prior to Worlds, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: becoming the inaugural member of Riot Games' official Hall of Legends. This event marked not only a personal triumph for Faker but also a significant step for esports, signifying the growing legitimacy and longevity of the industry with publisher-backed halls of fame.
Donk's Meteoric Rise
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While Faker reigned supreme in League of Legends, 2024 saw the emergence of a new star: 17-year-old Siberian Counter-Strike prodigy, Donk. His aggressive playstyle, characterized by exceptional aim and mobility, propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major and earned him the coveted Player of the Year award—a remarkable feat for a rookie.
Copenhagen Major Chaos
The Copenhagen Major was marred by significant disruption when individuals, motivated by a dispute between rival virtual casinos, stormed the stage and damaged the trophy. This incident highlighted the need for enhanced security measures at esports events and triggered a Coffeezilla investigation into potentially shady practices within the industry.
Apex Legends Hacked
The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a setback due to hackers remotely compromising players' PCs. This incident, coupled with a significant in-game bug, underscored the vulnerabilities within the game and raised concerns about its future, potentially leading to player exodus.
Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
Saudi Arabia continued its significant investment in esports, hosting the Esports World Cup 2024—a two-month extravaganza featuring 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools. The success of the homegrown Falcons Esports team, winning the club championship, demonstrates the impact of Saudi Arabia's strategic investment in the esports ecosystem.
Mobile Legends' Ascent, Dota 2's Decline
2024 showcased contrasting fortunes for different games. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang experienced a surge in popularity, with its M6 World Championship achieving impressive viewership numbers, second only to League of Legends. Conversely, Dota 2 saw a decline in both viewership and prize pool, reflecting a shift in the competitive landscape.
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
With significant changes anticipated in the Counter-Strike ecosystem and a new generation of talent emerging, 2025 promises to be another thrilling year for esports.
