artubr on Wikimedia
Back in February 2013, a skinny 16-year-old kid named Lee Sang-hyeok joined SK Telecom T1 as a substitute mid-laner. Although it didn't seem like much at the time, nobody could have predicted what would happen next. 

Within months, this teenager—who'd adopt the gaming handle "Faker"—would completely revolutionize how League of Legends was played at the professional level. Let's take a closer look at how this eSports legend cemented himself as one of the greats. 

The Rookie Who Changed Everything

His debut season culminated in something extraordinary: winning the 2013 World Championship, where his mechanical skill and game sense left commentators scrambling for superlatives. What made Faker different wasn't just his lightning-fast reflexes or his ability to outplay opponents in seemingly impossible situations.

It was his cerebral approach to the game, reading enemy movements three steps ahead like a chess grandmaster. He didn't just beat players; he dismantled their strategies before they could execute them. That rookie split established a dynasty that would dominate League of Legends for over a decade.

Building A Legacy Through Unprecedented Success

Faker's trophy cabinet tells a story that no other esports player can match. He has won the World Championship six times with T1—in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024, and most recently in 2025—a comeback that proved age is just a number in esports. Between those Worlds victories, he accumulated ten LCK titles, consistently proving that T1's dominance wasn't a fluke but sustained excellence.

His 2023 World Championship win was particularly emotional, coming after years of falling short in finals. At 27 years old, when most esports players have retired, Faker silenced doubters by claiming his fourth Summoner's Cup. The victory cemented his status not just as the League's most outstanding player, but as arguably the most successful competitor in all of competitive gaming.

What's perhaps most impressive is his loyalty—Faker has remained with T1 throughout his entire career despite countless offers from other organizations, some reportedly worth millions more. This loyalty has transformed him from just a player into the face of the franchise itself.

The Unkillable Demon King's Lasting Impact

Bruce Liu on Wikimedia

Faker's nickname, "The Unkillable Demon King," was earned through countless clutch performances that defied logic. His influence extends far beyond personal achievements. The individual has inspired an entire generation of mid-laners who study his gameplay like religious texts, analyzing his positioning, his champion pool depth, and his uncanny ability to find advantages where none should exist.

Young Korean players grow up wanting to be the next Faker, though none have quite reached his level. His annual salary, rumored to exceed $4 million, makes him one of the highest-paid esports athletes globally, proving that excellence translates to value.

More importantly, Faker's longevity has changed perceptions about career length in esports. While the industry once assumed players peaked early and burned out by their mid-twenties, Faker has remained elite into his late twenties, showing that experience and game knowledge can rival pure mechanical skill. 

His story proves that dedication, adaptability, and mental fortitude matter just as much as raw talent in creating lasting greatness.