Top Esports Headlines in 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 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
• Copenhagen Major's Chaotic Aftermath
• Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal
• Saudi Arabia's Dominance in Esports
• Mobile Legends' Ascent and Dota 2's Dip
• The Year's Best

Faker's Legendary Status Solidified

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The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports calendar. T1's victory, securing Faker's fifth world championship title, was a testament to his enduring skill and resilience. This triumph was particularly remarkable given T1's struggles earlier in the year, hampered by persistent DDoS attacks that disrupted their training and even official matches. Their eventual victory, especially Faker's pivotal performance in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming, solidified his position as arguably the greatest esports player of all time.

Induction into the Hall of Legends

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Months before Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another significant milestone: becoming the inaugural member of Riot Games' official Hall of Legends. This event marked a significant step for esports recognition, representing one of the first major halls of fame directly supported by a publisher. The accompanying in-game celebratory bundle also highlighted a shift in esports monetization strategies.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in Counter-Strike

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While Faker cemented his legacy, 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 and earned him the prestigious Player of the Year award – a rare feat for a rookie, especially one not specializing in the AWP role.

Copenhagen Major's Chaotic Aftermath

The Copenhagen Major was overshadowed by a significant disruption. Individuals, motivated by a dispute between rival virtual casinos, stormed the stage, causing damage to the trophy. This incident forced a reassessment of tournament security and triggered a Coffeezilla investigation, exposing questionable practices within the gaming industry.

Apex Legends' Hacking Scandal

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 concerns about the game's stability and security, potentially impacting player retention.

Saudi Arabia's Dominance in Esports

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

Mobile Legends' Ascent 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, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's expanding global reach. Conversely, Dota 2's International tournament saw a decline in both viewership and prize pool, reflecting challenges in sustaining the game's popularity and the limitations of crowdfunding models.

The Year's 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

With anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem and the emergence of new talent, 2025 promises to be another exciting year for esports.