The esports community eagerly anticipates the upcoming HLTV Awards and the LCK Awards, set to honor the best players and teams from the past year. These events not only recognize outstanding performances but also celebrate the growth and popularity of esports globally.
The HLTV Awards, presented by 1XBET, will be held on January 11, 2025, in Belgrade, Serbia. This year’s awards have captured significant attention, with over 150,000 votes cast by fans across categories like Skin of The Year, Streamer of The Year, and Creator of The Year. James "BanKs" Banks and Dima_wallhacks are among the notable finalists, showcasing the community’s engagement and support for competitive Counter-Strike. Andrey "B1ad3" Gorodenskiy is nominated again for Coach of the Year, seeking redemption after his 2022 victory, and Nikola "NiKo" Kovač aims to continue his winning streak as Opener of the Year.
Highlighting the awards, Zvonimir Burazin, the Head of Operations at HLTV, stated, "It's a privilege to present the finalists for the HLTV Awards which have been picked by both the community and industry." The HLTV Awards evening promises to be momentous, not only for the award recipients but also for fans witnessing the crowning of the coveted Player of the Year.
Alongside the community awards, panel category finalists include prominent figures like Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov, Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, and Finn "karrigan" Andersen, selected by industry experts and representatives from esports teams. At the awards show, legendary players such as GeT_RiGhT, HeatoN, f0rest, and Potti will also be honored as they enter the HLTV Hall of Fame, cementing their impact on the game.
Meanwhile, the LCK Awards, dedicated to League of Legends' South Korean scene, will take place on December 29, 2024, at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul. With categories recognizing excellence across all positions, including Top, Jungle, Mid, Bottom, and Support of the Year, the event aims to shine a spotlight on the finest talents, commend their contributions, and celebrate the competitive spirit. Players like Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon and Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok are up for Player of the Year, reflecting the fierce competition and talent within the league.
The awards will also honor coaches and rookies who made significant contributions throughout the LCK 2024 season. The set schedule for viewers provides multiple time zones to catch all the action, starting from 1 AM PT on December 29, ensuring fans worldwide can join the celebration of their favorite teams and players.
With esports continuing to grow and attract larger audiences, events like the HLTV and LCK Awards play pivotal roles. They not only celebrate individual and team achievements but also strengthen the community by fostering engagement and recognition among fans, players, and industry professionals alike. Both awards embody the essence of competition and sportsmanship, showcasing the best of what esports has to offer.