2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil
2024 presented a captivating blend of exhilarating victories and frustrating setbacks in the world of esports. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while rising stars burst onto the scene. Let's revisit the pivotal moments that defined the year.
Table of Contents:
- Faker's Legendary Ascent
- A Hall of Fame Induction
- Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS
- Copenhagen Major Chaos
- Apex Legends Hacked
- Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
- Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Dip
- The Best of 2024
Faker's Legendary Ascent
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The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1's victory, spearheaded by Faker's unparalleled performance, secured him a fifth world championship title. This triumph was particularly remarkable considering T1's struggles earlier in the year due to persistent DDoS attacks that severely hampered their training and participation in the LCK. Their eventual victory, especially Faker's masterful performance in the grand final against Bilibili Gaming, solidified his legacy as a true esports icon.
A Hall of Fame Induction
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Prior to Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another significant milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event marked not only a personal achievement but also a significant step for esports recognition, representing one of the first major esports halls of fame directly supported by a publisher.
Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS
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While Faker cemented his GOAT status, 2024 also witnessed the explosive arrival of Donk, a 17-year-old Siberian Counter-Strike prodigy. 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 rare feat for a rookie.
Copenhagen Major Chaos
The Copenhagen Major, however, was marred by significant disruption. Individuals claiming to represent a virtual casino protesting against a competitor stormed the stage, damaging the trophy. This incident highlighted the need for enhanced security measures and led to a Coffeezilla investigation exposing questionable practices within the esports gambling industry.
Apex Legends Hacked
The ALGS Apex Legends tournament also suffered from significant disruption due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug, underscored the game's vulnerability and prompted concern among players.
Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
Saudi Arabia's influence on the esports landscape continued to expand. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month spectacle encompassing 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools, showcased their commitment to the industry. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, in the club championship further cemented their growing presence.
Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Dip
2024 presented 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, demonstrating the game's global growth. Conversely, Dota 2's International tournament experienced a decline in viewership and prize pool, highlighting the challenges facing the game.
The Best of 2024
Our 2024 awards:
- 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 exciting developments in the esports world.
