Faker Is the True King of Competitive Gaming
By James Moreau | 26 Dec, 2025

Lee Sang-hyeok’s record six World Championships cemented his status as the greatest League of Legends player of all time.

Basketball has Michael Jordan, baseball has Babe Ruth, and competitive gaming has Lee Sang-hyeok.  Better known as Faker, he is the undisputed greatest player in the history of League of Legends and the very first inductee into the LoL Esports Hall of Legends in 2024.

A prodigy known for his technical prowess, Faker is widely referred to by his moniker, “The Unkillable Demon King.”

His accolades include a record six League of Legends World Championship titles, two Mid-Season Invitational titles, and a record ten League of Legends Champions Korea titles.  Faker’s total prize money winnings exceed $2 million.

Since his pro gaming career began in 2013 Faker has played as the mid-laner for T1, a South Korean esports organization where his annual salary today is estimated to be $6 million.

T1’s CEO has confirmed that Faker previously turned down a contract offer of $20 million per year from a team in China’s League of Legends Pro League.

Faker caught the attention of T1 and gamers worldwide in his 2013 debut with an iconic solo kill against Ambition, the established top Korean mid-laner.

Faker’s widespread notoriety and influence have led to major brand partnerships and endorsements with BMW, Nike and Red Bull, among others.

The 29-year-old Seoul native represented his country in the 2022 Asian Games where he won the gold medal and earned exemption from his country’s mandatory military service.  Faker has 2.5 million followers on Instagram and 2 million on YouTube.