7 Unforgettable Esports Highlights of 2024

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 rising stars emerged to redefine the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that shaped the year.

Table of Contents

• Faker's Unprecedented Achievement
• A Legend Enters the Hall of Fame
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike
• The Copenhagen Major's Tumultuous Aftermath
• Hacking Scandal Rocks Apex Legends
• Saudi Arabia's Dominating Esports Presence
• Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Dip
• The Best of 2024

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Faker's Unprecedented Achievement

The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports calendar. T1's victory, securing Faker his fifth world championship title, was a monumental achievement. However, the journey wasn't without its obstacles. Persistent DDoS attacks severely hampered T1's preparations throughout the first half of the year, jeopardizing their participation in the tournament. Despite these setbacks, T1's triumphant return and Faker's exceptional performance in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming cemented his legacy as a true esports icon.

A Legend Enters the Hall of Fame

Months before Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event, accompanied by a commemorative in-game bundle, marked a significant step for esports recognition, signifying publisher-backed support for long-term preservation of esports history.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike

While Faker solidified his GOAT status, 2024 saw the explosive arrival of Donk, a 17-year-old Siberian Counter-Strike prodigy. His remarkable skill and aggressive playstyle propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, earning him the prestigious Player of the Year award – a rare feat for a rookie.

The Copenhagen Major's Tumultuous Aftermath

The Copenhagen Major, however, was overshadowed by controversy. An incident involving individuals disrupting the event and damaging the trophy, fueled by a dispute between rival virtual casinos, led to increased security measures and a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the industry.

Hacking Scandal Rocks Apex Legends

The Apex Legends ALGS tournament suffered a significant disruption due to hackers remotely compromising players' PCs. This, coupled with a game-breaking bug, highlighted concerns about the game's stability and contributed to player attrition.

Saudi Arabia's Dominating Esports Presence

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued to expand, with the two-month-long Esports World Cup 2024 showcasing 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 industry.

Mobile Legends' Ascent 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, highlighting the game's global growth. Conversely, Dota 2's International tournament experienced a decline in both 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 future of esports looks bright, promising further evolution and exciting developments in 2025.