2024 was a year of remarkable highs and unexpected lulls in the esports world. It was a period where triumphs were often followed by challenges, and new talents emerged to fill the shoes of retiring legends. From the thrilling events that captivated fans to the moments that sparked controversy, let's delve into the key highlights that defined the year in esports.

Table of Contents

• Faker Became the Greatest Esports Player of All Time
• Faker Inducted into the Hall of Legends
• The CS World Got Donked
• Chaos at Copenhagen Major
• Hackers Disrupted Apex Legends Tournament
• Saudi Arabia’s Two-Month Esports Feast
• The Rise of Mobile Legends Bang Bang and the Decline of Dota 2
• The Best of the Best

Faker Became the Greatest Esports Player of All Time

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The pinnacle of the 2024 esports calendar was undoubtedly the League of Legends Worlds, where T1 successfully defended their title. Faker, the team's star player, cemented his legacy by becoming a five-time world champion. The journey to this victory was anything but straightforward. In the first half of the year, T1 faced significant disruptions due to DDoS attacks, which hampered their participation in the Korean scene. Despite these setbacks, T1's performance in Europe was transformative. The grand final against Bilibili Gaming was a testament to Faker's skill, particularly in the crucial fourth and fifth games, where his play was instrumental in securing the win. Faker's performance in the final showcased not just skill, but true greatness in esports.

Faker Inducted into the Hall of Legends

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Months before the Worlds, Faker achieved another milestone by being inducted as the first member of Riot Games' Hall of Legends. This honor was not just a recognition of his achievements but also marked a significant shift in esports, with Riot launching an exclusive bundle to celebrate the occasion. This move highlighted a new era of in-game monetization and underscored the importance of a publisher-backed hall of fame, promising sustainability and recognition for future legends.

The CS World Got Donked

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While Faker was solidifying his status as the greatest of all time, a new star emerged in the Counter-Strike scene: donk, a 17-year-old prodigy from Siberia. His aggressive playstyle, characterized by exceptional aim and mobility, led Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major. Donk's remarkable performance as a rookie earned him the Player of the Year title, a rare feat in the competitive world of Counter-Strike.

Chaos at Copenhagen Major

The Copenhagen Major in Counter-Strike was overshadowed by chaos when protesters, motivated by a dispute with a rival virtual casino, stormed the stage and damaged the trophy. This incident led to heightened security measures at future events and sparked a broader investigation into the practices of casinos and influencers, led by Coffeezilla. The fallout could potentially result in legal actions, marking a significant turning point for esports integrity.

Hackers Disrupted Apex Legends Tournament

The ALGS Apex Legends tournament faced its own crisis when hackers remotely installed cheats on participants' computers. This incident, combined with a major bug that rolled back player progress, highlighted the vulnerabilities in the game's infrastructure. As a result, many players began looking towards other titles, signaling a troubling trend for the future of Apex Legends.

Saudi Arabia’s Two-Month Esports Feast

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports grew significantly with the Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza featuring 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools. The event not only showcased the country's commitment to esports but also highlighted the success of Falcons Esports, a local team that won the club championship. Their victory underscored the importance of strategic investment and management in esports, potentially setting a benchmark for other teams.

The Rise of Mobile Legends Bang Bang and the Decline of Dota 2

2024 saw contrasting fortunes for Mobile Legends Bang Bang and Dota 2. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends achieved impressive viewership numbers, only surpassed by League of Legends, despite a modest prize pool. This highlighted the game's growing popularity, particularly outside the Western market. Conversely, Dota 2 faced a decline, with The International failing to generate significant excitement or substantial prize pools. Valve's decision to end crowdfunding experiments indicated a shift away from the model that had previously driven the game's success.

The Best of the Best

Reflecting on the year, we recognize the following achievements:

• 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

As we look forward to 2025, the esports landscape promises further excitement with anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem, thrilling tournaments, and the emergence of new stars. Here's to another year of unforgettable moments in esports!