On Nov. 30, the eSports Awards at Resorts World Las Vegas provided a memorable evening, celebrating the accomplishments within the eSports sector.
This event, which brought together industry experts and fans, showcased the significant achievements and defining moments of the past year in competitive gaming.
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Faker’s Stellar Achievement
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, the celebrated League of Legends (LoL) player from team T1, was honored with the eSports PC Player of the Year award. This recognition was not just about his phenomenal skill and strategic gameplay but also reflected his significant contribution to shaping the game’s meta. His influence extends beyond the game, as evidenced by the substantial fan base he has built over the years.
In a video message, Faker said, “Thank you to all the fans that followed and watched our matches during Worlds.” “I will continue to play hard.”
The Unkillable Demon King & GOAT of League of Legends takes home the Esports PC Player of the Year a huge congratulations to @faker of @T1LoL pic.twitter.com/5NOhgGc2OL
— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) December 1, 2023
Faker’s victory came amidst stiff competition from other top-tier eSports players, including CSGO’s Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, Dota 2’s Quinn “Quinn” Callahan, and his fellow LoL players Zhuo “Knight” Ding and Jung “Chovy” Ji-hun. His win is a testament to his enduring prowess and consistency in the highly competitive world of eSports.
Team T1 and Riot Games: A Night of Accolades
Additionally, T1, Faker’s team, was named eSports Team of the Year, a tribute to their impressive performance throughout the season. The team, comprising talents like Choi “Zeus” Woo-je, Mun “Oner” Hyeon-jun, Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong, and Ryu “Keria” Min-seok, has shown exceptional skill and teamwork.
Their journey in 2023 included finishing second in the LCK Spring and Summer championships, finishing in third place at MSI 2023, and ultimately securing their fourth World Championship title at Worlds 2023. Some team members also earned gold at the Asian Games 2022, adding to their commendable achievements.
Riot Games also had a significant presence at the awards, winning eSports Publisher of the Year and eSports Game of the Year for Valorant. These wins highlight Riot Games’ impact on shaping the eSports landscape, offering games that enthrall players and contribute significantly to the competitive gaming scene.
Recognizing Broader Contributions
The event also acknowledged the broader contributions within the esports industry. Team Vitality, celebrating a decade of excellence, was named eSports Organization of the Year. This accolade came after their gold medal win in the Blast Premier Fall Final, showcasing their sustained excellence and commitment to the competitive gaming world.
Evil Geniuses, another prominent name in esports, had multiple reasons to celebrate. Their Valorant Champions-winning squad, coached by Christine “Potter” Chi, who won Esports Coach of the Year, demonstrated the power of strategic leadership and skilled gameplay. Max “Demon1” Mazanov, recognized as Esports Breakthrough Player of the Year, exemplified the emergence of new talent in esports, proving that the industry continually evolves with fresh and dynamic players.
A Record-Breaking Display
In a unique twist, the event itself ventured into record-breaking territory. A collaborative effort between Resorts World and the eSports Awards led to the creation of the largest video game display—a mammoth 100,000-square-foot screen showcasing a game of Pac-Man.
The World Record for largest video game digital display has officially been broken here in Las Vegas on a 100,000 sq ft screen playing Pac-Man
Incredible pic.twitter.com/8jwXPjTChP
— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) December 1, 2023
Michael Ashford, CEO of the eSports Awards, encapsulated the night’s significance with his remarks. “We take pride in providing a platform to elevate the eSports industry and beyond,” he commented. He thanked the entire eSports community for their passion, dedication, and unwavering support, setting the tone for future events.
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