Faker
Faker is one of the top mid-lane players in South Korea, known for his unparalleled macro vision, mechanical precision, and game-changing outplays that have defined League of Legends for over a decade. Representing South Korea and T1 at the Esports World Cup 2026 in League of Legends, he boasts four World Championship titles, multiple MSI victories, and a record-breaking list of individual awards. His signature "Unkillable Demon King" persona continues to inspire global fans as he chases even greater dominance on the international stage.
Esports World Cup 2026 Participation
Who is Faker?
Name: Faker
Real Name: 이상혁 (Lee Sang-hyeok)
Date of Birth: May 7, 1996 (age 29)
Residency: South Korea
Team: T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1)
Game: League of Legends
Role: Mid
Nickname: The Unkillable Demon King
Active Since: 2013
Net Worth: Estimated to be around $10 million USD
Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) – Biography & Career
Lee Sang-hyeok, known globally as Faker, is a South Korean professional League of Legends player widely regarded as the greatest esports athlete of all time. Born on May 7, 1996, in Seoul, he has spent his entire career as the mid-laner for T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1).
Early Life & Rise to Pro
Faker showed exceptional gaming talent from a young age and quickly rose through the ranked ladder after League of Legends launched in South Korea. At just 17, he left school to pursue esports professionally and joined SK Telecom T1 in 2013.
Breakthrough & Early Dominance (2013–2017)
Faker made an immediate impact in his rookie year, winning both the LCK title and the World Championship (2013). Between 2013 and 2017, he established a historic dynasty with T1, securing:
3 World Championships (2013, 2015, 2016)
2 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) titles
Multiple LCK championships
During this era, Faker earned the nickname “Unkillable Demon King” and became the face of competitive League of Legends, often compared to Michael Jordan for his dominance.
Challenges & Longevity (2018–2022)
From 2018 to 2022, Faker continued to win domestic titles while facing stronger international competition. Despite fewer global victories, he maintained elite performance, broke multiple LCK records, and became a veteran leader for T1. In 2020, he also became a part-owner and executive of the organization.
Historic Comeback & Record Titles (2023–2025)
Faker returned to peak form by leading T1 to an unprecedented era of success:
World Championships: 2023, 2024, 2025 (three consecutive titles)
Total Worlds titles: Record 6 (most in history)
This achievement marked the first three-peat in Worlds history, solidifying his legacy as the most decorated player in League of Legends.
Faker Stats
Records & Achievements
Faker holds numerous all-time records, including:
Most World Championship wins, kills, and assists
First player to reach 1,000+ LCK games, 3,000 kills, and 5,000 assists
10 LCK titles and multiple MVP awards
He has also received major honors such as:
Best Esports Athlete (The Game Awards)
Esports Awards Player of the Decade
Induction into the LoL Esports Hall of Legends
International Representation
Faker represented South Korea at the Asian Games, winning:
Silver medal (2018)
Gold medal (2022), earning military service exemption
FAQ
As of 2026, Lee Sang-hyeok (Faker) is 29 years old.
Lee Sang-hyeok (Faker) has won a record 6 League of Legends World Championship titles.
While specific contract details remain confidential, Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok is estimated to earn an annual base salary of approximately $6 million to $8 million from T1, with his total yearly income significantly increasing through high-value brand sponsorships and tournament prize pools.
Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok began playing League of Legends in 2011 following the game's release in South Korea and officially launched his professional career on April 6, 2013, with SK Telecom T1.
Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok currently competes as the starting mid-laner for the South Korean organization T1, the team he has represented throughout his entire professional career since his debut in 2013.
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