Natus Vincere has been crowned the Team of the Year for 2024, but now it's time to delve into the other top teams that made their mark this year.
Following the announcement of the top three teams at the HLTV Awards in Belgrade, we have a chance to reflect on the past year and provide an in-depth analysis of the top 5 teams. As in previous years, the HLTV World Ranking serves as the foundation for this list. The rankings were determined by a selection of events similar to those used for the Top 20 players ranking, combining total points earned and average point gain per event.
The focus was on the cores of at least three players rather than the organizations themselves, and point losses due to decay and roster changes were not factored in.
Natus Vincere led the rankings by a significant margin, but the competition was fierce for the remaining spots. The races for second and third place, as well as fourth and fifth, were particularly close, and the bottom four teams were nearly tied.
5. MOUZ
MOUZ concluded the year as the fifth-best team, marking their highest placement since 2018. The young international squad consistently contended throughout the year, winning two trophies and making deep runs. They qualified for the Copenhagen Major with a 3-0 record but fell short in the playoffs. MOUZ continued to impress with victories at EPL Season 19 and BetBoom Dacha Belgrade, solidifying their status as a top contender.
4. Vitality
Vitality entered 2024 as the top team in the world but faced challenges early on, including a last-place finish at IEM Katowice. They rebounded at the Copenhagen Major, reaching the playoffs but falling to FaZe. Despite several deep runs, they struggled to secure trophies until IEM Cologne, where they finally claimed victory. However, their year ended with a quarter-final exit at the Shanghai Major, leaving them with just one trophy.
3. Spirit
Spirit emerged as a formidable force in 2024, thanks to the addition of Dmitry "sh1ro" Sokolov and the rise of donk as a star player. They shocked the scene with a stunning performance at IEM Katowice, winning the tournament and later securing two Big Event trophies. Despite some struggles after the player break, they rallied to reach the grand final at the Shanghai Major, showcasing their resilience and talent. Their impressive run solidified their position as one of the top teams of the year, narrowly missing out on the top spot.
2. G2
G2 finished as the second-highest points-earning team, boasting three major trophies and several deep runs. Under the leadership of Rasmus "HooXi" Nielsen, they started strong by qualifying for the BLAST Premier Spring Finals but faced setbacks at IEM Katowice. Their persistence paid off with a remarkable victory at IEM Dallas, followed by a successful run in the latter half of the year, culminating in wins at the BLAST Premier Fall Final and the BLAST Premier World Final. G2's consistent performance throughout the year made them a formidable contender.
1. Natus Vincere
Natus Vincere has been named Team of the Year after an outstanding performance, winning four major trophies, including the PGL Copenhagen Major, and finishing as runners-up in three additional tournaments. Despite a rocky start at IEM Katowice, they quickly found their stride, showcasing their skill and determination throughout the year. Their Major victory was a turning point, and they continued to build on that success with deep runs in subsequent events. Although they faced challenges at the Shanghai Major, their overall performance throughout the year firmly established them as the top team in the world.
Conclusion
The 2024 competitive scene has been marked by intense rivalries and remarkable performances from various teams. Natus Vincere's dominance, coupled with the rise of teams like Spirit and G2, has set the stage for an exciting future in esports. As we look ahead, the competition is sure to heat up, with teams striving to dethrone the reigning champions and claim their place at the top. Natus Vincere has been crowned the Team of the Year for 2024, but now it's time to delve into the other top teams that made their mark this year.