Released back in 2009, League of Legends has been around for over a decade. This popular MOBA game has attracted millions of players worldwide, creating a massive online community. Of these millions of players, several emerged as stars in the professional gaming industry. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the careers of four of the most iconic professional players to ever grace the game. From humble beginnings to breathtaking accomplishments, these players have demonstrated an extraordinary blend of skill, mastery, and unyielding determination. 

1. Faker 

Hailed as the greatest League of Legends player of all time, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok is a living legend in the gaming community. All the way from South Korea, Faker made his debut back in 2013 with SK Telecom T1. Known for his amazing ability to outplay opponents combined with his deep champion pool, he quickly catapulted to the forefront of the professional scene. His playstyle, often characterized by stunning mechanics and strategic finesse, set a new bar for the mid-lane role. His greatest strength though, is his ability to adapt to the ever-changing metas. It’s been 10 years since his debut and he’s still able to keep up with, and even outperform, younger players and old veterans alike. 

With multiple World Championship titles under his belt (more than any other professional LoL player), Faker’s legacy is simply incomparable. Given the title, Unkillable Demon King, this just proves his impact on the LoL professional scene will continue to live on and endlessly inspire players around the globe.

Photo by E레기 via Wikimedia Commons

2. Doublelift 

As a staple player in the North American League Championship Series (NALCS), Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng has been the face of the region’s bot lane since his debut in 2011. Known for his confident, sometimes overly blunt and rash persona, his clutch play-making has garnered fans from everywhere around the world. Despite facing early career setbacks, Doublelift’s career has been marked by incredible perseverance, allowing him to gain an impressive list of achievements including multiple NALCS titles.

Although he retired back in 2020 to focus on streaming, he has since returned and is currently playing for 100 Thieves as their AD carry. With many top-tier players paying their respects to this beloved player, there’s no doubt that Doublelift belongs on this list.

Kevin Chang for Team Liquid, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

3. Uzi 

Next on our list is the unmistakable Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao, one of the most fearsome ADCs to ever play the game. With such an aggressive playstyle and extraordinary mechanics, Uzi had fans mesmerized by his gameplay since his debut in 2012. Despite being consistently surrounded by a star-studded Royal Never Give Up squad, Uzi’s talents always managed to shine the brightest. Although the World Championship has continued to elude him, he was a key player in bringing home the MSI title back in 2018, the first major international win for the LPL. 

Although health issues led to his early retirement a couple of years back, fans were shocked to hear of his coming return with EDG in 2023. We can’t wait to see his explosive style and godlike skill returning to Summoner’s Rift!

Kevin Chang for Team Liquid, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

4. xPeke 

Wrapping up our list is none other than Enrique “xPeke” Cedeno Martinez. This Spanish icon, known for his charismatic presence and creative playstyle, has played a pivotal role in putting European LoL on the map. Thanks to his legendary “backdoor” play against SK Gaming in the IEM Katowice 2013, the clip is still rewatched and enjoyed by fans to this day. As a player, xPeke has an impressive record including winning the Season 1 World Championship. Although he’s hung up his gaming mouse, he continues to influence the scene as the founder of Origen, proving that his strategic brilliance extends beyond just the Rift.

Kevin Chang for Team Liquid, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

These four amazing titans have significantly shaped the landscape of professional League of Legends as we know it. As excellent role models, their awe-inspiring performances and mindblowing plays will forever be remembered as hallmarks in eSports history. Continuing to showcase incredible skill, strategy, and relentless drive for victory, it’s thanks to them that LoL is as electrifying to watch as it is.