2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil

2024 delivered a captivating blend of exhilarating victories and disheartening setbacks in the esports world. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while new stars ignited the scene. This retrospective examines the pivotal moments that defined the year.

Table of Contents:

• Faker's Legendary Ascent
• A Hall of Fame Induction
• Donk's Meteoric Rise
• Copenhagen Major Chaos
• Apex Legends Hacked
• Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
• Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Dip
• The Best of 2024

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Faker's Legendary Ascent:

The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports calendar. T1, led by Faker, successfully defended their title, securing Faker's fifth world championship. This victory transcended mere statistics; it underscored resilience. T1 faced relentless DDoS attacks throughout the first half of the year, severely hindering their preparation and jeopardizing their Worlds qualification. Their eventual triumph, particularly Faker's pivotal performance in the grand final against Bilibili Gaming, cemented his status as an unparalleled esports legend.

A Hall of Fame Induction:

Months before Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event held significance not only for Faker but also for the esports industry as a whole. It marked a publisher's direct investment in a major esports hall of fame, promising its long-term sustainability.

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Donk's Meteoric Rise:

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 playing the statistically favored AWP role, showcased his exceptional aim and aggressive gameplay. Donk led Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, culminating a remarkable year.

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Copenhagen Major Chaos:

The Copenhagen Major presented a stark contrast to Donk's success. An incident involving individuals disrupting the event, motivated by a virtual casino dispute, resulted in significant damage and heightened security concerns. The fallout included a Coffeezilla investigation exposing questionable practices within the industry, potentially leading to legal ramifications.

Apex Legends Hacked:

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a major setback due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug, highlighted concerns about the game's stability and security, potentially impacting player retention.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance:

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued its expansion. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza encompassing 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools, showcased the nation's commitment to the industry. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, in the club championship, further solidified their position.

Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Dip:

2024 witnessed contrasting fortunes for two prominent titles. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's global growth despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline in viewership and prize pool, reflecting a shift in the game's ecosystem.

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

The esports landscape promises continued excitement in 2025, with anticipated changes, major tournaments, and emerging talent poised to shape the future.