2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Tumult
2024 delivered a thrilling mix of esports highs and lows, witnessing both legendary achievements and unexpected disruptions. Established stars cemented their legacies, 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 Unparalleled Reign
- A Legend Enshrined
- Donk's Meteoric Rise
- Copenhagen's Chaos
- Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal
- Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
- Mobile Legends' Ascent, Dota 2's Dip
- The Best of 2024
Faker's Unparalleled Reign
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The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1's victory, securing Faker's fifth world title, transcended mere statistics. The team faced significant adversity in the first half of the year, enduring relentless DDoS attacks that hampered their training and almost cost them a Worlds berth. Their comeback, culminating in a dramatic grand final against Bilibili Gaming, showcased Faker's legendary prowess, particularly in games four and five, where he single-handedly secured T1's victory.
A Legend Enshrined
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Prior to Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another 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, signifying the publisher's commitment to preserving esports history through a formally supported hall of fame.
Donk's Meteoric Rise
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While Faker solidified 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, underscored his exceptional talent. Donk's aggressive playstyle, characterized by precision and mobility, propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major.
Copenhagen's Chaos
The Copenhagen Major witnessed a significant disruption when individuals, motivated by a dispute between rival virtual casinos, stormed the stage, damaging the trophy. This incident forced a reevaluation of tournament security and triggered an investigation by Coffeezilla, uncovering questionable practices within the esports gambling industry.
Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal
The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a setback due to hackers remotely compromising players' PCs. This incident, coupled with a major in-game bug, highlighted concerns about the game's stability and security, potentially impacting its player base.
Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued to expand with the Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month spectacle encompassing 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools. The nation's investment in teams, notably Falcons Esports' championship win, demonstrates its growing impact on the global esports scene.
Mobile Legends' Ascent, Dota 2's Dip
2024 showcased 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, highlighting the game's burgeoning popularity. Conversely, Dota 2's International faced a decline in viewership and prize pool, reflecting a shift in the game's momentum.
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 and new challenges on the horizon.
