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 fresh talent emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective examines the pivotal moments that shaped the year.
Table of Contents:
- Faker's Legendary Ascent
- Induction into the Hall of Legends
- Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
- The Copenhagen Major Chaos
- Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal
- Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
- Mobile Legends' Surge and 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 narrative. T1, led by the iconic 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 preparation and forcing them into a nail-biting qualifier for Worlds. Despite these obstacles, T1's triumphant return showcased Faker's unparalleled skill, particularly in the grand final against Bilibili Gaming, where his masterful performance secured the championship.
Induction into the Hall of Legends:
Prior to Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: becoming the inaugural member of Riot Games' Hall of Legends. This event marked a significant step for esports recognition, backed by a major publisher's direct support, and was further highlighted by the release of a commemorative in-game bundle.
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Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike:
While Faker cemented his GOAT status, 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.
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The Copenhagen Major Chaos:
The Copenhagen Major, however, was overshadowed by controversy. Individuals associated with a virtual casino disrupted the event, damaging the trophy in a protest against a competitor. This incident prompted heightened security measures and a Coffeezilla investigation into the shady dealings of various parties involved, potentially leading to legal ramifications.
Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal:
The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a significant setback due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs. This incident, coupled with a major in-game bug, highlighted the game's vulnerabilities and sparked concern among players considering alternative titles.
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 significant investment in teams, leading to Falcons Esports' championship win, underscores Saudi Arabia's growing impact on the global esports scene.
Mobile Legends' Surge and Dota 2's Dip:
2024 witnessed 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, showcasing the game's burgeoning popularity. Conversely, Dota 2's International tournament experienced a decline in viewership and prize pool, reflecting a shift away from crowdfunding models.
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 anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem, promising tournaments, and the rise of new stars, 2025 promises even more excitement.
