2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil

2024 presented a captivating blend of exhilarating victories and unforeseen setbacks in the world of esports. Established legends faced challenges, while fresh talent emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that shaped 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 Hackers Strike
• 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 calendar. T1, led by Faker, secured their fifth world title, a feat amplified by the adversity they overcame. Persistent DDoS attacks significantly hampered T1's preparation throughout the year, nearly derailing their Worlds qualification. Their eventual triumph, particularly Faker's exceptional performance in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming, solidified his status as an unparalleled esports icon.

A Hall of Fame Induction: Prior to Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event marked a significant step for esports recognition, backed by a publisher's direct support and a substantial commemorative in-game bundle.

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Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS: While Faker cemented his legacy, 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, showcased an aggressive, mobility-focused style that propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major.

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Copenhagen Major Chaos: The Copenhagen Major was marred by a significant disruption when individuals, motivated by a dispute between rival virtual casinos, stormed the stage and damaged the trophy. This incident highlighted the need for enhanced security measures and prompted a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the esports industry.

Apex Legends Hackers Strike: The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a serious setback due to hackers remotely compromising players' PCs. This incident, coupled with a major in-game bug, raised concerns about the game's stability and prompted some players to explore 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 success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, in the club championship, underscored the nation's growing investment in the esports sector.

Mobile Legends' Surge and Dota 2's Dip: 2024 saw contrasting fortunes for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Dota 2. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang attracted impressive viewership, highlighting the game's global growth, while Dota 2's International faced a decline in viewership and prize pool, reflecting a shift in the game's dynamics.

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 year concluded with anticipation for 2025, promising further evolution within the Counter-Strike ecosystem, exciting tournaments, and the emergence of new esports stars.