2024 was a rollercoaster year for esports, marked by breathtaking achievements and unexpected challenges. From the rise of new talents to the continued dominance of legends, the esports landscape saw significant shifts. Let's dive into the pivotal moments that defined the year.

Faker Became the Greatest Esports Player of All Time

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The esports calendar in 2024 reached its zenith at the League of Legends Worlds, where T1 defended their championship title, and Faker solidified his status as a legend by becoming a five-time world champion. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including DDoS attacks that disrupted their preparation throughout the year, T1's journey to victory was nothing short of remarkable. Their struggles in the Korean scene due to these cyberattacks made their Worlds qualification a hard-fought battle. Yet, once in Europe, T1's performance soared, culminating in a thrilling grand final against Bilibili Gaming. Faker's pivotal role in games four and five not only clinched the victory for T1 but also showcased his unparalleled skill, cementing his place as one of the greatest players in esports history.

Faker Inducted into the Hall of Legends

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Months before the Worlds, Faker achieved another milestone by becoming the inaugural inductee into Riot Games' official Hall of Legends. This honor was not only a testament to his exceptional career but also marked a new era of esports recognition. Riot's celebration included a premium in-game bundle, highlighting the evolving landscape of esports monetization. More importantly, the Hall of Legends, backed directly by a publisher, promises a lasting tribute to esports legends.

The CS World Got Donked

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While Faker's legacy grew, the Counter-Strike scene welcomed a new prodigy: donk, a 17-year-old from Siberia. His aggressive playstyle and exceptional aim propelled him to the forefront of the game, earning him the Player of the Year title. Without relying on the traditional AWP role, donk's impact was undeniable, leading Team Spirit to triumph at the Shanghai Major and heralding his arrival as a force to be reckoned with.

Chaos at Copenhagen Major

The Copenhagen Major in Counter-Strike was marred by chaos when individuals, motivated by a virtual casino's protest against a competitor, stormed the stage and vandalized the trophy. This incident not only tightened security measures at future events but also triggered a thorough investigation by Coffeezilla, uncovering unethical practices within the industry. The repercussions of this event are still unfolding, potentially leading to legal actions.

Hackers Disrupted Apex Legends Tournament

The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) tournament faced its own turmoil when hackers remotely installed cheats on participants' PCs, disrupting the event. Coupled with a significant bug that rolled back player progress, these issues highlighted the vulnerabilities in the game's infrastructure, prompting many players to explore other titles and raising concerns about Apex Legends' future.

Saudi Arabia’s Two-Month Esports Feast

Saudi Arabia's influence in esports grew with the Esports World Cup 2024, a two-month extravaganza featuring 20 disciplines and substantial prize pools. The event not only showcased Saudi Arabia's commitment to the industry but also saw Falcons Esports, a local team, clinch the club championship, setting a precedent for other teams to follow in terms of management and investment.

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

The esports scene in 2024 saw contrasting trends with Mobile Legends Bang Bang's M6 World Championship drawing massive viewership, despite a modest prize pool. This highlighted the game's growing popularity, particularly outside the West. Conversely, Dota 2 faced a downturn, with The International failing to generate significant excitement or large prize pools, reflecting a shift in player and fan engagement.

The Best of the Best

As we reflect on 2024, here are our awards for the year:

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

Looking ahead, 2025 promises even more 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!