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2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil
2024 presented a captivating blend of exhilarating victories and unforeseen 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' Boom, Dota 2's Dip
- The Best of 2024
Image: x.com
Faker's Legendary Ascent:
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. However, the journey was far from smooth. Persistent DDoS attacks severely hampered T1's training and participation in the early part of the year, nearly costing them their Worlds qualification. Their eventual triumph, particularly Faker's phenomenal performance in the grand final against Bilibili Gaming, cemented his status as an unparalleled esports legend.
Induction into the Hall of Legends:
Months before Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event marked not only a personal achievement but also a significant step for esports recognition, representing a publisher-backed hall of fame designed for longevity. The accompanying in-game bundle also signaled a shift in esports monetization strategies.
Image: x.com
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 unconventional, aggressive playstyle, 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 remarkable feat for a rookie.
Image: x.com
Copenhagen Major Chaos:
The Copenhagen Major, however, was overshadowed by controversy. Individuals associated with a virtual casino disrupted the event, damaging the trophy in a protest against a competitor. This incident forced a reassessment of tournament security and triggered a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the gaming industry, potentially leading to legal ramifications.
Apex Legends Hacked:
The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a significant disruption due to hackers remotely compromising players' PCs and introducing cheats. This incident, coupled with a game-breaking bug, highlighted the game's vulnerability and sparked concerns about player retention.
Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance:
Saudi Arabia continued its expansion into esports, hosting the Esports World Cup 2024 – a two-month extravaganza encompassing 20 disciplines and boasting substantial prize pools. The extensive support program, notably boosting the homegrown Falcons Esports team to victory, showcased Saudi Arabia's growing influence and its potential to elevate esports management practices.
Mobile Legends' Boom, Dota 2's Dip:
2024 witnessed contrasting fortunes for two prominent titles. 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 despite a relatively modest prize pool. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline in viewership and prize pool, with Valve's decision to end crowdfunding reflecting a shift in the game's economic model.
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 further excitement, with anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem, high-profile tournaments, and the emergence of new esports stars.
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