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This year's Esports Awards saw Riot Games have yet another stellar year with the publisher taking home three accolades including the 'Game of The Year' award. While Free Fire could not win the Game of the Year award after a very successful year, it did manage to snag the Mobile Game of the Year title at the event.
PC Player of The Year: Oleksandr ‘s1mple’ Kostyliev
This category was a no contest as s1mple's performance over the past year has been impeccable. He started off 2021 with a win at the BLAST Premier: Global Final 2020 event and the Na'Vi player went on to secure first-place at ESL Pro League Season 14, Intel Extreme Masters XVI and most recently, the PGL Major Stokholm 2021.
Game of The Year: Valorant
Riot Games' debut in the first-person shooter with Valorant in 2020 has proven to be a major success. The publisher established Valorant as a solid esports title within the first year of its launch and it is set to have its first world championship next month. The game beat the likes of CS:GO, PUBG Mobile and Free Fire to become the Game of The Year.
Mobile Game of The Year: Free Fire
Free Fire released back in 2017 and it shows no signs of slowing down. Last year, the game garnered over 80 million daily active users and has become a mobile esports title that has grossed over $1 billion worldwide. The Mobile Game of The Year award was contested by the likes of Wild Rift and PUBG Mobile, but Free Fire rightfully took home the award at today's event.
Team of the Year: Atlanta FaZe (Call of Duty)
Atlanta FaZe was the most dominant team in the Call of Duty League and it made headlines by winning the CDL 2021 Playoffs. After falling short last year and coming second in 2020, the team was on a hot streak this year with FaZe winning three out of the four Majors it participated in.
Organization of The Year: 100 Thieves
100 Thieves has grown into one of the biggest organizations known for its esports teams as well as its content. This year, 100T expanded into the Apex Legends and has teased an entry into Rocket League. Creators like Jack “CouRage” Dunlop and Jack “NiceWigg” Martin are now a part of the organization and 100T seeks to grow even more in the future.
Content Creator of The Year: Ashley Kang
Kang "Ashley Kang" Ji-hye is a former software developer who quit her job to work as an interviewer for the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK). She has conducted interveiws under Korizon and ESPN and is recognized globally as an esports journalist.
Publisher of The Year: Riot Games
2020 was Riot Games' biggest year with the publisher launching Wild Rift, Legends of Runeterra and Valorant in the same year. Its other titles League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics continue to grow and Riot is just getting started. The publisher wants to expand to the fighting game genre as well with 'Project L' in the works which is expected to release after 2022.
Lifetime Achievement in Esports
Dave 'Walshy' Walsh
Justin Wong
Michal 'Carmac' Blicharz
Amber Dalton
Amy Brady
Stephanie 'MissHarvey' Harvey
Adam Apicella
