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Esports Dominates 2023: Top Moments Revealed

by Oliver Feb 22,2025

2024: A Year of Esports Triumphs and Tumult

2024 presented a captivating blend of exhilarating victories and unforeseen setbacks in the esports world. Established legends faced 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 in CS
  • Copenhagen Major Chaos
  • Apex Legends Hacked
  • Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance
  • Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Dip
  • The Best of 2024

Faker's Legendary Ascent

7 Main Esports Moments of 2024Image: x.com

The League of Legends World Championship dominated 2024's esports narrative. T1's triumphant title defense cemented Faker's status as a five-time world champion. However, the victory's significance transcends mere statistics. T1 faced relentless DDoS attacks throughout the first half of the year, severely hindering their practice and almost jeopardizing their Worlds qualification. Their eventual triumph, particularly Faker's exceptional performance in the grand finals against Bilibili Gaming, underscores his legendary resilience and skill.

A Hall of Fame Induction

7 Main Esports Moments of 2024Image: x.com

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 a publisher-backed hall of fame designed for long-term sustainability. Riot's accompanying in-game celebratory bundle also signaled a shift in esports monetization strategies.

Donk's Meteoric Rise in CS

7 Main Esports Moments of 2024Image: x.com

While Faker solidified his GOAT status, 17-year-old Siberian prodigy, Donk, emerged as 2024's breakout star in Counter-Strike. His unprecedented rookie Player of the Year award, achieved without specializing in the AWP role, is a testament to his aggressive playstyle and exceptional aim. Donk led Team Spirit to victory at the Shanghai Major, concluding a remarkable year.

Copenhagen Major Chaos

The Copenhagen Major cast a shadow over Counter-Strike's achievements. Individuals claiming monetary rewards disrupted the event, causing damage to the trophy. The perpetrators, linked to a virtual casino protesting a competitor, triggered heightened security measures and a Coffeezilla investigation into questionable practices within the gaming industry.

Apex Legends Hacked

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

Saudi Arabia's Esports Dominance

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

Mobile Legends' Surge, Dota 2's Dip

2024 showcased contrasting trends. The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang attracted impressive viewership, second only to League of Legends, demonstrating the game's global growth. Conversely, Dota 2 experienced a decline in both viewership and prize pool, reflecting the limitations of crowdfunding models.

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 continued excitement, with anticipated changes in the Counter-Strike ecosystem, major tournaments, and the emergence of new stars.