2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil

2024 presented a captivating blend of exhilarating victories and frustrating setbacks in the esports world. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while rising stars burst onto the scene. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that defined 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 Tumultuous Aftermath
• Hacking Scandal Rocks Apex Legends
• Saudi Arabia's Dominating Esports Investment
• Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Struggle
• The Year's Top Performers

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Faker's Unprecedented Achievement:

The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports landscape. T1, led by the legendary Faker, secured their fifth world title. This victory was particularly remarkable given the relentless DDoS attacks targeting T1 throughout the year, severely hampering their preparation and almost costing them their Worlds qualification. Faker's exceptional performance in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming, especially games four and five, cemented his legacy as a true esports icon.

A Legend Enters the Hall of Fame:

Months before Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event, celebrated with a premium in-game bundle, marked a significant step in publisher-backed esports recognition programs, promising a more sustainable future for such honors.

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Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike:

While Faker reigned supreme in League of Legends, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, Donk, emerged as 2024's breakout star in Counter-Strike. His aggressive, mobility-focused playstyle, defying the typical AWP reliance, propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major and earned him the coveted Player of the Year award—a rare feat for a rookie.

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The Copenhagen Major's Tumultuous Aftermath:

The Copenhagen Major was overshadowed by a significant disruption. Individuals associated with a virtual casino, protesting against a competitor, stormed the stage, damaging the trophy. This incident led to increased security measures and a Coffeezilla investigation exposing questionable practices within the gaming industry, potentially leading to legal ramifications.

Hacking Scandal Rocks Apex Legends:

The Apex Legends ALGS tournament suffered a major setback due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug affecting player progress, highlighted significant issues within the game, potentially driving players towards alternative titles.

Saudi Arabia's Dominating Esports Investment:

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued to expand. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza spanning 20 disciplines with substantial prize pools, showcased their commitment. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, in winning the club championship, underscored the impact of their investment and strategic support.

Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Struggle:

2024 witnessed contrasting fortunes for two prominent titles. The Mobile Legends Bang Bang M6 World Championship attracted massive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's growing popularity despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2's International tournament saw a significant decline in viewership and prize pool, reflecting a shift away from crowdfunding models and highlighting challenges for the game's future.

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 to be another exciting year, with anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem, major tournaments, and the emergence of new stars.