In the past two decades, esports has evolved from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers and players worldwide. The rise in popularity of esports has been fueled by several unforgettable moments that have not only defined the industry but have also shaped its future. These “Top 10 Iconic Esports Moments” have left an indelible mark on the gaming community and continue to inspire players and fans alike.
The Fountain Hook – Dota 2’s The International 3
One of the most memorable moments in esports history occurred during Dota 2’s The International 3. The moment, known as “The Fountain Hook,” saw Dendi, a player from the team Na’Vi, repeatedly execute a risky and challenging move against the same team. This move, which involved using Pudge’s hook ability to pull an enemy into the team’s fountain, was a game-changer, leading to Na’Vi’s victory. The Fountain Hook’s successful execution not only demonstrated Dendi’s skill and strategy but also highlighted the unpredictability and excitement of esports, leaving a lasting impression on the Dota 2 community.
XPeke’s Legendary Backdoor – League of Legends IEM Season 7 Katowice 2013
Another iconic esports moment occurred during the League of Legends IEM Season 7 Katowice 2013. Fnatic’s player, XPeke, executed a legendary backdoor play, securing his team’s victory against SK Gaming. This play, which involved XPeke sneaking into the enemy’s base and destroying their nexus while the enemy team was occupied elsewhere, was a thrilling moment that showcased the strategic depth and high stakes of League of Legends. XPeke’s backdoor has since influenced future strategies and gameplay, making it one of the most influential moments in esports history.
s1mple’s 1v2 Falling No Scope – ESL One Cologne 2016
The ESL One Cologne 2016 saw another unforgettable moment in esports history. During a match between Team Liquid and Fnatic, Team Liquid’s player, s1mple, pulled off an incredible 1v2 falling no scope play. This play, which involved s1mple making a no-scope shot while mid-air, secured the round for his team and left the audience in awe. The play was so exceptional that it was recognized by the game’s developer, Valve, and has since been immortalized in the CS:GO community.
Faker vs. Ryu Zed Outplay – 2013 League of Legends World Championship Qualification Series
The 2013 League of Legends World Championship Qualification Series saw one of the most intense 1v1 duels in esports history. The duel, which was between Faker and Ryu, both using the champion Zed, was a showcase of skill and strategy. Faker’s exceptional moves and outplay led him to win the duel, leaving the audience in awe and solidifying his reputation as one of the best players in the game.
Daigo’s Insane Parry Outplay – 2004 EVO World Championship Finals
The 2004 EVO World Championship Finals saw one of the most memorable moments in esports history. During the Street Fighter III: Third Strike finals, Daigo Umehara, facing Justin Wong, pulled off an insane parry outplay. Daigo parried every hit of Justin’s ultimate move, turning the match around and securing his victory. This play, known as “Evo Moment 37,” is widely regarded as one of the best moments in esports history and has since been immortalized in the fighting game community.
The “$6 Million Dollar Slam” – Dota 2’s The International 5
Another unforgettable moment in esports history occurred during Dota 2’s The International 5. During the tournament, Evil Geniuses pulled off a play known as the “$6 Million Dollar Slam.” This play, which involved using Earthshaker’s echo slam ability to wipe out the opposing team, secured Evil Geniuses’ victory and the tournament’s $6 million prize. The “$6 Million Dollar Slam” not only demonstrated the high stakes of esports but also showcased the strategic depth and excitement of Dota 2.
Fnatic’s Miracle Run – League of Legends World Championship 2017
The League of Legends World Championship 2017 saw one of the most impressive comebacks in esports history. After a challenging start in the group stage, Fnatic made a miracle run, going from a 0-4 record to a 4-4 record. This comeback, which involved a series of thrilling matches and strategic plays, not only secured Fnatic’s place in the quarterfinals but also left a lasting impression on the League of Legends community.
Fl0w3R’s Performance – Overwatch World Cup 2017
The Overwatch World Cup 2017 saw one of the best individual performances in esports history. During a match on Hanamura, Fl0w3R, a player from South Korea, showcased his exceptional skills and strategic plays, leading his team to victory. Fl0w3R’s performance, which involved a series of impressive kills and strategic plays, left a lasting impression on the Overwatch community and has since been recognized as one of the best individual performances in the game.
Opening Ceremony of Worlds 2014 – League of Legends
The opening ceremony of the League of Legends Worlds 2014 was a landmark moment in esports history. The ceremony, which featured a live performance by Imagine Dragons, was a showcase of the increasing production value and mainstream acceptance of esports. The event, which was viewed live by millions and gained popularity on the internet, left a lasting impression on the esports industry and the audience.
Hungrybox’s Victory – EVO 2016 Melee Tournament
The EVO 2016 Melee Tournament saw one of the most intense matches in esports history. During the tournament, Hungrybox, a player from Team Liquid, secured a thrilling victory in the Super Smash Bros. finals. Hungrybox’s victory, which involved a series of intense matches and strategic plays, left a lasting impression on the Super Smash Bros. community and solidified his legacy as one of the best players in the game.
jstn’s Clutch Play – Rocket League Championship Series
The Rocket League Championship Series saw one of the most clutch plays in esports history. During the Grand Final match, jstn, a player from NRG Esports, pulled off a clutch play, forcing overtime and securing his team’s victory. jstn’s play, which involved scoring a goal in the final seconds of the match, left the audience in awe and has since been recognized as one of the most clutch plays in Rocket League history.
Conclusion
These “Top 10 Iconic Esports Moments” have not only defined the esports industry but have also shaped its future. From record-breaking plays to intense rivalries, these moments have left an indelible mark on the gaming community and continue to inspire players and fans alike. As esports continues to evolve, we can only anticipate more unforgettable moments that will further shape this exciting industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the top 10 iconic esports moments:
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What was the opening ceremony of the 2017 League of Legends World Championship like?
The opening ceremony of the 2017 League of Legends World Championship was legendary. It featured a live performance of the song “Legends Never Die” by Against The Current and a chilling appearance of a virtual Elder Dragon. -
What was XPeke’s legendary backdoor play in League of Legends?
XPeke’s backdoor play in League of Legends during the IEM Season 7 Katowice 2013 is considered one of the best moments in the game’s history. He successfully destroyed the enemy nexus while the enemy team was occupied elsewhere on the map, securing the victory for Fnatic. -
What was s1mple’s memorable play in ESL One Cologne 2016?
During ESL One Cologne 2016, s1mple, a renowned CS:GO player, made an incredible 1v2 falling no-scope shot while mid-air, securing the round for Team Liquid against Fnatic. -
What happened during Faker vs. Ryu Zed outplay in the 2013 League of Legends World Championship Qualification Series?
Faker and Ryu engaged in a legendary 1v1 duel during the qualification series for the 2013 League of Legends World Championship. Faker’s exceptional moves and skillful play led him to win the duel, making it one of the best 1v1 moments in League of Legends history. -
What was Daigo’s insane parry outplay in the 2004 EVO World Championship Finals?
During the 2004 EVO World Championship Finals in Street Fighter III: Third Strike, Daigo Umehara parried every hit of Justin Wong’s ultimate move, turning the match around and securing victory. This play is widely regarded as one of the most insane moments in esports history.