7 Main Esports Moments of 2024

2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil

2024 was a year of dramatic highs and lows in the world of esports. Established legends faced unexpected challenges, while newcomers burst onto the scene, shaking up the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the key moments that defined the year.

Table of Contents

• Faker's Legendary Fifth World Championship
• Faker's Hall of Fame Induction
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
• The Copenhagen Major Chaos
• Hacking Scandal Rocks Apex Legends Tournament
• Saudi Arabia's Dominance in Esports
• Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Decline
• The Best of 2024

Faker's Legendary Fifth World Championship

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The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports calendar. T1, led by the legendary Faker, secured their fifth world title. This victory was particularly remarkable given T1's struggles earlier in the year, facing persistent DDoS attacks that severely hampered their training and participation in the LCK. Their eventual triumph, especially Faker's pivotal performance in the grand final against Bilibili Gaming, cemented his status as one of the greatest esports players of all time.

Faker's Hall of Fame Induction

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Before Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' official 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 game publisher.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike

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While Faker solidified his legacy, 2024 also saw the emergence of a new star: 17-year-old Donk from Siberia. His aggressive Counter-Strike gameplay, 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.

The Copenhagen Major Chaos

The Copenhagen Major was overshadowed by significant controversy. Individuals associated with a virtual casino, protesting against a competitor, stormed the stage, causing damage and disrupting the event. This incident highlighted the need for enhanced security measures and triggered a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the esports industry.

Hacking Scandal Rocks Apex Legends Tournament

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a major setback due to a hacking incident, where hackers remotely compromised players' PCs and introduced cheats. This, coupled with a game-breaking bug that rolled back player progress, exposed significant issues within Apex Legends, leading to player exodus.

Saudi Arabia's Dominance in Esports

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

Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Decline

2024 witnessed contrasting fortunes for different titles. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang experienced a surge in popularity, demonstrated by the high viewership of the M6 World Championship, despite a relatively modest prize pool. Conversely, Dota 2 saw a decline in both viewership and prize pool for The International, reflecting a shift in the game's momentum.

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

2025 promises to be another exciting year for esports, with anticipated changes and new challenges on the horizon.