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 fresh talent emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that shaped the year.
Table of Contents:
- Faker's Legendary Status Solidified
- Induction into the Hall of Legends
- Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
- The Copenhagen Major Chaos
- Apex Legends Hackers Cause Havoc
- Saudi Arabia's Dominating Esports Presence
- Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Decline
- The Best of the Best
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Faker's Legendary Status Solidified:
The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports calendar. T1, led by the legendary Faker, successfully defended their title, securing Faker's fifth world championship. This victory 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 triumphant comeback, culminating in a nail-biting grand final against Bilibili Gaming, cemented Faker's status as one of the greatest esports players of all time. His exceptional performance, especially in the final two games, was instrumental in T1's victory.
Induction into the Hall of Legends:
Prior to Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another significant milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event marked a significant step for esports recognition, representing one of the first major esports halls of fame directly supported by a publisher, ensuring its long-term sustainability. Riot's release of a commemorative in-game bundle further highlighted the significance of this achievement.
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Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike:
While Faker solidified his legacy, 2024 saw the emergence of a new star: 17-year-old Donk from Siberia. His exceptional Counter-Strike skills quickly propelled him to prominence, leading Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major and earning him the coveted Player of the Year award – a rare feat for a rookie, especially without specializing in the AWP role. His aggressive playstyle, characterized by precise aim and remarkable mobility, redefined the game.
The Copenhagen Major Chaos:
The Copenhagen Major, however, was marred by significant controversy. Individuals associated with a virtual casino, protesting against a rival, stormed the stage, causing damage to the trophy. This incident had far-reaching consequences, leading to increased security measures at tournaments and sparking a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the esports gambling industry.
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Apex Legends Hackers Cause Havoc:
The ALGS Apex Legends tournament also faced disruption due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs. This incident, coupled with a significant in-game bug that reversed player progress, highlighted issues within the game, potentially leading to player attrition.
Saudi Arabia's Dominating Esports Presence:
Saudi Arabia's influence on the esports scene continued to grow, with the Esports World Cup 2024 serving as a major showcase. This two-month event, encompassing 20 disciplines and boasting substantial prize pools, along with a comprehensive team support program, solidified Saudi Arabia's position as a key player. The victory of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, in the club championship further underscored this growing influence.
Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Decline:
2024 witnessed contrasting fortunes for two major titles. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang attracted impressive viewership numbers, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's expanding popularity despite a relatively modest prize pool. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline in viewership and prize pool size, with Valve's decision to discontinue crowdfunding experiments highlighting the limitations of relying solely on in-game item sales for sustaining the game's ecosystem.
The Best of the Best:
- 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 for esports, with anticipated changes to the Counter-Strike ecosystem, highly anticipated tournaments, and the continued rise of new stars.
