Hidden Gems: The Most Fascinating Esports Events of 2024
While mainstream attention focused on major esports tournaments in 2024, several fascinating competitions demonstrated the incredible diversity of competitive gaming. From mobile games dominating Japanese culture to data analysis becoming a spectator sport, these events showcased the expanding boundaries of esports.
Monster Strike: Japan’s Mobile Gaming Phenomenon
Monster Strike, celebrating its 11th year, continued to demonstrate its cultural significance in Japan. The mobile RPG’s competitive scene thrived with the Monster Strike Grand Prix, featuring a $200,000 prize pool. Team AMiiiiDA emerged victorious in a tournament that attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers, though slightly below 2023’s numbers. The game’s influence extends beyond competition, spawning anime series and collaborations with major franchises.
TrackMania: French Racing Excellence
The racing simulation TrackMania particularly resonates in France, where both developer-organized events and community tournaments draw substantial audiences. The 2024 TrackMania World Cup, held during Paris Games Week, brought together elite racers from multiple continents. Carl Jr., representing team Solary, secured another championship title, reinforcing his position as the game’s most successful competitor.
World of Tanks: Global Strategy
The tactical vehicle combat game World of Tanks maintained its dedicated following across multiple regions in 2024. The World of Tanks Championship International in Chengdu, China offered a ¥1,000,000 prize pool ($138,000). Polish team Hit and Run achieved a remarkable feat by winning their second consecutive championship, defeating Chinese squad OneOne in an intense final.
Yu-Gi-Oh!: Card Gaming Evolution
The 2024 Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship in Seattle highlighted the trading card game’s successful transition to digital competition. Multiple formats, including TCG, Duel Links, and Master Duel, were featured. American player Ruben Penaranda claimed victory, with the Fiendsmith Yubel deck strategy proving particularly effective. The finals drew over 35,000 concurrent viewers, with strong audiences in both Japan and the United States.
Gran Turismo: Virtual Racing Excellence
Amsterdam hosted the GT World Series 2024 Nations Cup Grand Final, attracting over 33,000 concurrent viewers globally. Japan’s Takuma Miyazono claimed the championship, while competitors from Brazil, Italy, and Spain demonstrated the international appeal of virtual racing.
Notable Mentions
Several other competitive gaming events carved out unique niches:
- The inaugural Smite 2 World Championship launched in Las Vegas (January 2025)
- The osu! World Cup showcased high-level rhythm gaming
- The 2024 King Pro League Grand Finals for Honor of Kings featured an impressive ¥70 million prize pool ($9.6 million), with AG Super Play securing victory
- The Microsoft Excel World Championship 2024, while modest in viewership, generated significant media attention by transforming spreadsheet mastery into a competitive spectacle
The success of these events demonstrates that compelling esports competition isn’t limited to mainstream titles. Regional favorites and unexpected formats continue to find enthusiastic audiences, supported by high-quality production and passionate communities.
