In the dynamic world of competitive gaming, acknowledgment is paramount. Gamers may now compete for various prizes, from those presented by streaming services to those presented by live venues that recognize both individual and team achievements. Earning one of these illustrious gaming accolades may do wonders for a player’s reputation and career. Here are the 9 most important gaming awards to be aware of in 2024, whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned veteran.
Best Esports Player: The Game Awards
The Game Awards, widely recognized as a major event in the gaming industry, are often called the “Oscars of Gaming.” One of the most coveted categories at the festival, which honors everything from voice acting to game design, is “Best Esports Player.” If a player wins this honor, they will join the ranks of gaming royalty among legends like Faker and Bugha.
Runner-Up for P.C. Rookie at the Esports Awards
The “P.C. Rookie of the Year” trophy is a huge thing for up-and-coming talent in the competitive gaming industry, and the Esports Awards highlight different parts of that ecosystem. Rising stars who have already made a big splash in their first year are the ones this prize is for. In 2022, it was bestowed to Jojopyun, a prodigy whose meteoric rise in League of Legends garnered attention. According to Edco Trophies, one of the prestigious custom award companies, “This prize has the potential to launch a long and prosperous career in professional gaming, which is great news for those just starting.”
Golden Joystick Awards for Best Video Game of the Year
Although the main emphasis of the Golden Joystick Awards is on the games, competitive players often pay close attention to the “Ultimate Game of the Year” category. The games they play have a significant impact on their professional careers. This prestigious award has been won by titles like Valorant and Elden Ring in the last several years, which shows that these games are popular in casual and competitive gaming communities. When competing in international competitions, a virtual private network (VPN) might be a lifesaver for gamers concerned about latency and security.
Leaderboard for Competitive Play: M.V.P.
League of Legends players see the League Championship Series (L.C.S.) as their playground and the Most Valuable Player title as their pinnacle achievement. In addition to their talent, a player’s leadership and consistency throughout the season are recognized when they win the LCS MVP award. Blaber of Cloud9 won it again in 2023, solidifying his place in League of Legends history. A player’s supremacy in the North American League of Legends is recognized with the M.V.P. award, a stepping stone to worldwide prominence.
D.I.C.E. Awards for Best Online Game
Presented annually by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, the D.I.C.E. Awards honor outstanding video game design and development achievements. The “Online Game of the Year” category showcases the games that provide the most exciting and competitive online experiences, making it an essential category for competitive gamers. Esports, where players showcase their extreme abilities, are dominated by recent champions such as Apex Legends and Fortnite. This accolade will only increase in importance as the number of people actively participating in online gaming continues to rise at 15% annually.
Intel Extreme Masters: Championship M.V.P.
Being named the Most Valuable Player (M.V.P.) at the Intel Extreme Masters (I.E.M.) is a huge deal in the world of esports. The I.E.M., one of the most illustrious and longest-running esports events, covers games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (C.S.), where teamwork is paramount. A player’s career and legacy are enhanced when awarded the Championship M.V.P. in an I.E.M. tournament. The 2023 I.E.M. Rio Major attracted over a million spectators, proving the tournament’s international appeal.
Honors: E.S.L. Pro League Team of the Year
Playing for an E.S.L. Pro League squad and being crowned “Team of the Year” is the pinnacle of achievement. Winning this prize delivers large monetary benefits, fame, and reputation. The Electronic Sports League (E.S.L.) runs tournaments for games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Rainbow Six Siege. Team Vitality cemented their C.S. domination in 2023 by taking home the trophy and a cool $200,000. Any competitive gaming business would be wise to aim for this prize since it recognizes the importance of cooperation, strategy, and execution.
The Dennis Hawelka Award at the Overwatch League Awards
Not only does the Overwatch League reward great play, but it also recognizes outstanding community service. Players who greatly influence the gaming community both on and off the field are recognized with the Dennis Hawelka Award, which is named after a famous Overwatch coach. Choihyobin of the San Francisco Shock received this honor in 2023 for his sportsmanship and involvement in the local community, demonstrating that moral fiber is as important as athletic prowess. The purpose of this award is to encourage players to impact the esports community positively and to remember that gaming is about more than just winning.
Champion of the Fortnite World Cup Solo
Despite not being hosted annually, the Fortnite World Cup is still one of the most memorable events in gaming. The most prestigious award given out during the event is the title of Solo Champion. After bringing home $3 million in prize money at the 2019 Fortnite World Cup, 16-year-old Bugha became a household celebrity. This is one of the most coveted prizes in competitive gaming, and with over 250 million people currently playing Fortnite, the next World Cup is sure to be just as exciting.