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The esports industry has closed 2024 on a high note, showcasing remarkable growth and diversity in its most-watched tournaments. From the electrifying League of Legends Worlds Championship to the action-packed Valorant Champions and Dota 2’s prestigious The International, the year has solidified esports as a dominant force in entertainment. Here’s an in-depth look at the most popular esports events of the year, highlighting the trends and achievements that defined 2024.
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A Diverse Landscape of Esports Viewership
2024 witnessed a significant broadening of the esports scene compared to previous years. While 2023’s most popular events were dominated by just three games (League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang [MLBB], and Counter-Strike), this year welcomed new entries like Dota 2 and Valorant into the top rankings.
At the pinnacle of viewership was the League of Legends World Championship, accumulating an astounding 190.9 million hours watched (HW). The tournament continued its upward trajectory, fueled by growing audiences in regions like Vietnam and Brazil, solidifying its reputation as a global phenomenon.
Meanwhile, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Indonesia maintained its position as a leader in mobile esports, with MPL Season 14 becoming the most-watched iteration ever, surpassing 110 million HW. Indonesia’s passionate fanbase propelled MLBB events to unprecedented heights, making the region a cornerstone of mobile esports.
Most-Watched Esports Events of 2024
- League of Legends World Championship 2024
- Hours Watched: 190.9M
- Known for its innovative production and thrilling matches, Worlds 2024 broke viewership records and cemented its place as the crown jewel of esports.
- MPL Indonesia Season 14
- Hours Watched: 110M+
- The MPL’s massive runtime and dedicated Indonesian audience ensured its dominance in the mobile gaming space.
- PGL Copenhagen Major 2024 (Counter-Strike)
- This prestigious Counter-Strike event captivated fans with intense LAN matches and elite-level gameplay.
- The International 2024 (Dota 2)
- The ultimate test of skill and strategy in Dota 2 brought millions of fans together to witness epic battles.
- Valorant Champions 2024
- While a standout, Valorant Champions was eclipsed by the VCT 2024: Masters Madrid, highlighting the growing appetite for top-tier competitive Valorant.
Peak Viewership: The True Measure of Popularity
When it comes to peak concurrent viewers (PV), 2024 shattered previous records.
- Worlds 2024 peaked at 6.94 million PV, setting a new industry record and coming tantalizingly close to the elusive 7 million mark.
- The M6 World Championship (MLBB) secured the second spot, though it couldn’t surpass last year’s peak from M5.
- Valorant saw a surprising highlight with the VCT Masters Madrid, where fan-favorite Sentinels claimed their first international win in years, driving peak viewership to new heights.
Regional Powerhouses and Their Impact
Regional circuits played a crucial role in 2024’s esports success:
- League of Legends’ LCK Spring and Regional Finals were pivotal in drawing Korean fans, reinforcing the LCK’s status as the premier League of Legends competition.
- In MLBB, Indonesia remained the driving force behind the MPL’s unmatched popularity, with MPL Season 14 leading the charge.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As 2024 ends, the dominance of League of Legends and MLBB in esports viewership is set to continue. These titles have established not only robust global followings but also critical regional audiences that drive consistent growth.
Esports Charts, armed with a comprehensive database of viewership statistics, will continue to provide insights into the esports industry’s performance as we transition into 2025. Stay tuned for more rankings, trends, and analyses that capture the essence of this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
2024 has proven that esports is not just a niche; it’s a global powerhouse breaking barriers and setting new records. Whether you’re a fan of MOBA, FPS, or mobile titles, one thing is certain—esports is here to stay, and its potential is limitless.