Few names resonate across esports as powerfully as Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, the South Korean professional League of Legends (LoL) player whose remarkable career has set new standards for excellence. Born on May 7, 1996, Faker rose from humble beginnings to become the face of LoL’s competitive scene, earning accolades ranging from multiple world championships to a position as a global ambassador for the game. Widely hailed as the greatest player in League of Legends history, Faker also serves as a cultural icon for esports at large, symbolizing dedication, innovation, and unmatched skill.
1. Early Life and Entry into Gaming
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Faker displayed an early interest in puzzles and strategy games, such as custom Warcraft III maps, DOTA offshoots, and Chaos Online. When League of Legends gained traction in South Korea around 2011, Faker quickly rose to the top of the solo queue ladder under the in-game name “고전파” (translated as “classical”). His rapid ascent to rank one, coupled with a flexible champion pool, drew the attention of professional teams.
In February 2013, Faker joined SK Telecom T1 #2 (later rebranded as T1), taking his first steps onto the professional stage. His debut match on April 6, 2013, against CJ Blaze showcased his exceptional talent—using Nidalee, he solo killed Ambition, then considered Korea’s best mid laner. Within weeks, Faker became a household name among Korean esports fans.
2. The Rise of a Legend (2013–2014)
Faker’s breakthrough moment came during the 2013 OGN Summer Split Finals, where SKT T1 faced KT Bullets. Trailing 0–2, SKT mounted an extraordinary comeback to push the best-of-five to a blind-pick fifth game. In a now-iconic mirror matchup of Zed vs. Zed at the 32-minute mark, Faker executed a stunning outplay on Ryu despite being low on health. SKT won the decisive game 3–2, securing the championship. Later that year, Faker captured his first World Championship (S3), stamping his name on the international stage.
Going into 2014, SKT T1 K dominated the 2013–2014 Winter Split, sweeping Samsung Ozone in the finals. Faker’s unmatched mid-lane prowess elevated him to superstardom. However, following roster changes and the departure of key teammates, SKT struggled in subsequent tournaments, failing to qualify for the 2014 World Championship. Nonetheless, Faker’s 2014 season underlined his reputation as one of the best players ever—he had already achieved feats few would match in an entire career.
3. Cementing His Place at the Top (2015–2017)
3.1 World Titles and More
In 2015, massive changes to the LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea) ecosystem saw many Korean pros depart for other regions. Faker remained in Korea, turning down lucrative Chinese offers. Alongside a restructured SKT T1 roster, he claimed the 2015 LCK Spring and Summer titles, then cruised to a 15–1 record at the 2015 World Championship, earning his second Worlds trophy.
The momentum continued into 2016. Faker earned his 300th professional appearance with an astounding 73.7% win rate, hit his 1,000th LCK kill milestone, and—most importantly—captured a third World Championship (S6) by edging out Samsung Galaxy (3–2) in the finals. This three-time Worlds feat solidified his status as the game’s definitive superstar.
By 2017, Faker added more hardware to his collection, including the LCK Spring title and another MSI championship. However, in the 2017 World Championship final, SKT fell 0–3 in a rematch against Samsung Galaxy, denying Faker a potential three-peat.
3.2 Streaming Records and International Appearances
Faker’s first Twitch stream in early 2017 smashed viewership records, peaking at over 245,000 concurrent viewers. Though later surpassed by other streamers, it underscored his unrivaled popularity. On the international front, Faker represented South Korea at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta (as part of the first esports demonstration event), securing a silver medal.
4. Continual Evolution (2018–2020)
As SKT T1 rebranded to simply T1 in 2019, Faker and the team captured both Spring and Summer LCK titles. However, the 2019 World Championship campaign ended in the semifinals with a 1–3 loss to G2 Esports—a first-time World Championship exit for Faker short of the finals.
During 2020, Faker recorded his 2,000th LCK kill, then led T1 to yet another LCK Spring crown (his ninth) by defeating Gen.G (3–0). Off the Rift, Faker continued his philanthropic efforts, donating tens of millions of Korean won to aid COVID-19 relief causes throughout the year.
5. Rekindling Dominance (2021–2023)
5.1 Chasing More LCK and MSI Titles
- 2021 saw T1 reach the LCK summer finals (0–3 to DWG KIA) and Worlds semifinals (2–3 to DWG KIA), just shy of the ultimate prize.
- 2022 delivered a perfect LCK Spring run of 18–0, culminating in Faker’s record 10th LCK Championship. T1 finished runner-up (2–3) to RNG at MSI, then again second to Gen.G in the LCK Summer final. At the 2022 Worlds, T1 reached the grand final but fell 2–3 to DRX.
Despite these close misses, Faker’s individual numbers soared. He reached a historic 100th Worlds appearance, extended his all-time kills record, and ultimately renewed his T1 contract for another three years in November 2022.
5.2 Injuries and Another Comeback in 2023
In 2023, Faker led T1 to runner-up finishes in the Spring Split and the Summer Split, also achieving third place at MSI. Midway through the summer season, he temporarily stepped away to recover from a right-hand injury, and T1 struggled with a 1–7 record in his absence. However, upon his return, he guided T1 through the playoffs to secure a world championship slot, eventually capturing the S13 title by defeating WBG 3–0 in the final—his historic fourth Worlds trophy. During the run, T1 also became the first team to beat all four top LPL seeds in a single Worlds, finishing the event 11–1 against Chinese opponents in series play.
Notably, Faker also helped South Korea secure gold in League of Legends at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, further cementing his iconic status on home soil.
6. Triumphs Continue into 2024
6.1 EWC Victory and 5th World Championship
In 2024, Faker’s schedule remained intense. He delivered a speech at the “2024 Future Dialogue for Global Innovation,” an event hosted by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting his stature as an esports ambassador. On the competitive front, T1 claimed the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC) trophy, where Faker earned MVP honors.
Despite a challenging LCK Summer (fourth place), T1 qualified for Worlds through the regional gauntlet, narrowly beating KT 3–2. For Faker, it marked a record-breaking ninth Worlds appearance, surpassing Jensen’s prior mark. In the Swiss Stage, T1 overcame a first-round loss to TES by defeating PNG, BLG, and G2 (in a BO3) to reach 100 career Worlds wins. They then swept TES (3–0) in the quarterfinals and outlasted Gen.G (3–1) in the semifinals. In a nail-biting final, T1 edged BLG 3–2, securing Faker’s fifth Worlds championship (S14). He was named Finals MVP for the second time, reaching 500 total Worlds kills—yet another unprecedented milestone in LoL history.
7. Style, Signature Champions, and In-Game Legacy
Faker’s champion pool reads like a greatest-hits list of mid-lane power picks:
- Classics such as LeBlanc, Zed, Ahri, Riven, Kassadin, Ryze, Orianna, Syndra, and Azir
- Pocket picks like Nidalee, Ezreal, and Lulu
- Recent meta darlings including Akali, Tryndamere, Sylas, and Tristana
He is the first player to claim the LoL “Grand Slam”—victories in domestic leagues, the Mid-Season Invitational, the All-Star event, the Rift Rivals/Intercontinental Championship, and Worlds. Moreover, his legacy is immortalized by multiple in-game “championship skins” commemorating his Worlds victories, including Zed (2013), Ryze (2015), Syndra (2016), and Orianna (2023).
8. Cultural Impact and Recognition
8.1 Mainstream Honors
- National Icon: Korean media often compares Faker’s influence to that of star athletes like Park Ji-sung and Kim Yuna.
- Forbes 30 Under 30: Faker became the first Korean LoL player included in Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Asia” list in 2019.
- The Game Awards: Multiple nominations and wins for “Best Esports Player,” including in 2017, 2023, and 2024.
- International Spotlight: In December 2023, the UK’s The Times named Faker one of the top 10 most influential figures in sports, citing record-breaking Worlds viewership and the IOC’s growing interest in esports.
8.2 Esports Hall of Fame and Beyond
Repeatedly featured in the “World Esports Hall of Fame,” Faker stands as a symbol of professionalism and longevity. His nickname, the “Unkillable Demon King,” reflects his uncanny ability to dominate the mid lane under immense pressure. Despite the globally competitive nature of LoL, no one has sustained the same level of success over such a long period.
9. Philanthropy, Mentorship, and Future Outlook
Faker’s influence extends well beyond competition. He has donated generously to COVID-19 relief efforts, highlighting a commitment to social causes. His mentorship role within T1 fosters new talent, guiding rookies toward the same high standards he sets for himself.
As esports continues to evolve, Faker’s journey acts as a blueprint for excellence. From his teenage stardom to delivering keynote speeches for South Korean ministries, his trajectory demonstrates the legitimacy and global reach of professional gaming.
Looking ahead, Faker’s enduring passion for League of Legends, combined with his unwavering drive for success, suggests he will remain a pivotal figure in esports. Whether pursuing a sixth Worlds trophy, providing leadership to T1, or championing new initiatives, the “Unkillable Demon King” shows no signs of slowing down.
10. Conclusion
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok stands as an unparalleled icon in the world of esports. With five World Championships, a host of LCK and MSI titles, and a formidable track record of clutch performances, he is rightly hailed as the greatest League of Legends player of all time. Yet his impact transcends the Rift: Faker is a testament to how passion, perseverance, and sportsmanship can elevate an individual from hobbyist to global phenomenon. His story continues to shape the narrative of competitive gaming and inspire fans worldwide, proving that in the realm of esports, legends can indeed be forged—and Faker reigns supreme among them.
