Top 7 Esports Milestones in 2024

2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Turmoil

2024 presented a fascinating blend of exhilarating victories and frustrating setbacks in the world of esports. 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 Ascent
• A Hall of Fame Induction
• Donk's Meteoric Rise
• The Copenhagen Major Chaos
• Apex Legends' Hacking Headache
• Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
• Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Slump
• The Best of 2024

Faker's Legendary Ascent

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The League of Legends World Championship dominated the 2024 esports narrative. T1's victory, securing Faker's fifth world title, transcended mere statistics. The team's journey was fraught with adversity, facing relentless DDoS attacks throughout the first half of the year, severely hampering their preparation and jeopardizing their Worlds qualification. Despite these obstacles, T1's resurgence in Europe culminated in a thrilling grand final against Bilibili Gaming, where Faker's exceptional performance, particularly in games four and five, proved instrumental in securing the championship.

A Hall of Fame Induction

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Prior to Worlds 2024, Faker achieved another monumental milestone: induction into Riot Games' inaugural Hall of Legends. This event marked a significant step for esports recognition, representing one of the first publisher-backed halls of fame, promising long-term sustainability. The release of a commemorative in-game bundle further underscored the event's importance.

Donk's Meteoric Rise

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While Faker cemented his GOAT status, 2024 witnessed the emergence of Donk, a 17-year-old Siberian Counter-Strike prodigy. His unprecedented rookie success, culminating in a Player of the Year award, was remarkable, particularly given his avoidance of the statistically favored AWP role. His aggressive playstyle, characterized by precision aiming and exceptional mobility, propelled Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major.

The Copenhagen Major Chaos

The Copenhagen Major, however, was overshadowed by significant controversy. Individuals claiming monetary incentives disrupted the event, causing damage to the trophy. This incident, linked to a dispute between virtual casinos, led to heightened security measures and a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices involving casinos, influencers, and even Valve itself.

Apex Legends' Hacking Headache

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament suffered a similar disruption due to hackers remotely compromising participants' PCs. This incident, coupled with a significant in-game bug, highlighted the game's vulnerabilities and raised concerns about player retention.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports continued to expand. The Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza encompassing 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools, showcased this ambition. The success of Falcons Esports, a Saudi Arabian organization, in the club championship further solidified the nation's growing esports presence.

Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Slump

2024 presented contrasting fortunes for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Dota 2. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang drew impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's expanding popularity despite limited Western penetration. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline in both viewership and prize pool, highlighting the limitations of past crowdfunding strategies.

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 to the Counter-Strike ecosystem, major tournaments, and the rise of new stars.