Esports Highlights Captivate in 2024

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 rising stars burst onto the scene, reshaping the competitive landscape. This retrospective highlights the pivotal moments that defined the year.

Table of Contents:

• Faker's Legendary Ascent
• Induction into the Hall of Legends
• Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS
• Copenhagen Major Chaos
• Apex Legends Hacked
• Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
• Mobile Legends' Surge, 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 the iconic Faker, successfully defended their title, securing Faker's fifth world championship. However, the victory was far from straightforward. Persistent DDoS attacks plagued T1 throughout the first half of the year, severely hindering their practice and almost costing them a spot at Worlds. Their triumphant comeback, particularly Faker's exceptional performance in the grand final against Bilibili Gaming, cemented his status as a true legend.

Induction into the Hall of Legends:

Months before Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' official Hall of Legends. This inaugural entry, celebrated with an expensive in-game bundle, marked a significant step in publisher-backed esports recognition, promising a more sustainable future for esports halls of fame.

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Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS:

While Faker solidified his GOAT status, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, Donk, emerged as 2024's breakout star in Counter-Strike. His aggressive playstyle, characterized by exceptional aim and mobility, propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, earning him the coveted Player of the Year title – a remarkable feat for a rookie.

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Copenhagen Major Chaos:

The Copenhagen Major, however, was marred by controversy. Individuals associated with a virtual casino, protesting against a rival, stormed the stage, damaging the trophy. This incident significantly impacted the esports landscape, leading to increased security measures and a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the industry.

Apex Legends Hacked:

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a major setback due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug, highlighted the game's vulnerabilities and sparked concerns about player retention.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance:

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued to expand, culminating in the massive two-month Esports World Cup 2024. This event, featuring 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools, along with a robust team support program, solidified Saudi Arabia's position as a major esports player. The success of homegrown organization, Falcons Esports, winning the club championship, underscores the impact of strategic investment.

Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Dip:

2024 showcased contrasting fortunes for different titles. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, highlighting the game's global growth. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline in viewership and prize pools, with Valve's decision to end crowdfunding reflecting the changing dynamics of the game's ecosystem.

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 even more thrilling competitions and unexpected twists in the ever-evolving world of esports.