Biography
Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Faker, is widely regarded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time. The South Korean mid laner has been a cornerstone of T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1) since his debut in 2013, making him one of the most tenured and successful players in esports history.
Faker's journey began in the Korean solo queue ladder, where he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional mechanics and game sense. His talent caught the attention of SKT, who signed him as a teenager to be the centerpiece of their mid lane. What followed was an unprecedented career that has spanned over a decade at the highest level of competitive play.
Throughout his career, Faker has accumulated an unmatched trophy cabinet. He has won six World Championship titles (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024, 2025), two Mid-Season Invitational titles (2016, 2017), and ten LCK championships. His individual accolades include multiple MVP awards, LCK Player of the Year honors, and recognition as the Best Esports Athlete at The Game Awards.
Known for his versatility and deep champion pool, Faker has mastered virtually every meta-relevant mid lane champion. His signature picks include Ryze, LeBlanc, Zed, Azir, and Orianna, though he's equally proficient on control mages, assassins, and utility champions. His mechanical precision, decision-making, and ability to read opponents have set the standard for mid lane play globally.
Beyond his mechanical skill, Faker's impact on League of Legends extends to his influence on the meta and professional playstyle. His innovative approaches to lane matchups and teamfighting have been studied and emulated by aspiring players worldwide. His famous 1v1 kill against Ryu in 2013 and his perfect LeBlanc performance in the 2013 World Championship cemented his reputation as a player capable of turning games single-handedly.
Despite his legendary status, Faker has shown remarkable adaptability throughout his career. Even as he's aged in a young person's game, he's evolved his playstyle to focus more on macro play, vision control, and team coordination while maintaining the mechanical brilliance that made him famous.
In 2020, Faker became a part-owner of T1, transitioning into a player-executive role that gives him a stake in the organization's future. This unique position makes him one of the few active players with ownership in their team, reflecting his value both as a competitor and a brand ambassador for League of Legends.
Faker's influence extends beyond the game itself. He's appeared in numerous commercials, talk shows, and promotional materials, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in esports. His rivalry with Samsung Galaxy, particularly during the 2017 World Championship finals, helped elevate League of Legends to new heights of popularity in Korea and internationally.
As of 2025, Faker continues to compete at the highest level, having won his sixth World Championship at age 28. His longevity and continued success in a game that constantly evolves make him a unique figure in competitive gaming. Whether he's executing a perfect outplay or making a crucial macro decision, Faker remains the benchmark against which all mid laners are measured.