Lee Sang-hyeok (이상혁), globally recognized by his in-game name Faker, is a South Korean professional League of Legends player widely regarded as the greatest of all time in the history of the game. Often dubbed “The Unkillable Demon King” and compared to basketball legend Michael Jordan for his unparalleled success and dominance, Faker has spent his entire illustrious career as the mid-laner for the T1 organization (formerly SK Telecom T1). Since his debut in 2013, he has amassed a record-breaking ten League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) titles, two Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) titles, and an unprecedented five World Championship titles. Beyond his in-game prowess, Faker’s influence extends to his role as a part-owner of T1 Entertainment & Sports, a testament to his dedication and long-term vision for esports.
Faker Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lee Sang-hyeok (이상혁) |
| In-Game Name | Faker |
| Nickname(s) | The Unkillable Demon King, God, Michael Jordan of Esports |
| Date of Birth | May 7, 1996 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 29 years old |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Profession | Professional Esports Player (League of Legends) |
| Team | T1 (Mid-laner, Co-owner) |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $10 million (estimates vary, some sources cite up to $30-50 million) |
| Family | Father (Lee Kyung-joon), Grandparents, Older Brother. Mother largely absent. |
Early Life and Education of Faker
Born Lee Sang-hyeok on May 7, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, Faker’s early life was largely spent in the Gangseo District, where he was raised by his father, Lee Kyung-joon, and his paternal grandparents. Sources indicate his mother had been largely absent from his early life, leading to a somewhat introverted and shy personality in his childhood. From a young age, Faker displayed a keen intellect and a natural inclination for self-education and problem-solving, often challenging himself with Rubik’s Cubes and independently learning foreign languages.
While not initially immersed in traditional computer games, he found enjoyment in arcade titles such as Tekken and King of Fighters. His gaming interests expanded to PC games like Maplestory and Warcraft III, for which he even created custom maps, showcasing early signs of his strategic mind. In December 2011, with the launch of League of Legends in South Korea, Faker discovered the game that would define his career. He quickly distinguished himself in the game’s solo queue under the name “GoJeonPa,” rapidly ascending to the top ranks of the Korean server. By the age of 16, he was already considered the top-ranked League of Legends player in Korea.
Recognizing his exceptional talent, Faker made the unconventional decision to leave Mapo High School at age 17 to pursue a professional esports career, a choice fully supported by his family. He has expressed a desire to complete his education once his professional gaming career concludes.
Faker’s Career
Breakthrough and Early Success
Faker’s professional League of Legends journey began in December 2012 when he was scouted by SK Telecom T1 and officially joined the team as a mid-laner in February 2013. His debut in the LCK (then OGN Champions) in April 2013 was nothing short of sensational, where he quickly demonstrated his skill and fearlessness, notably defeating established pro player Kang “Ambition” Chan-yong.
In his rookie year, Faker and his team, SK Telecom T1 2, dominated the competitive scene. They secured their first major title by winning the HOT6iX Champions Summer 2013, marked by Faker’s iconic Zed outplay against KT Rolster Bullets’ mid-laner Ryu, a moment still celebrated in League of Legends history. This early success culminated in a victory at the League of Legends Season 3 World Championship in 2013, making Faker a World Champion in his inaugural season.
Dominance with SKT T1/T1
Following their initial triumph, SK Telecom T1 K (as the team was then known) continued their dominance, winning the PANDORA.TV Champions Winter 2013-2014 and the All-Star Paris 2014. While the 2014 season saw some dips in performance and a failure to qualify for the World Championship, Faker remained a pivotal figure. The team’s resurgence began in 2015, winning the LCK Spring and Summer Splits, and ultimately securing their second World Championship title in 2015.
The “SKT T1 Dynasty” reached its peak in 2016, with Faker and his team winning the LCK Spring, the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), and an unprecedented third World Championship title. Faker was named the World Championship MVP in 2016, showcasing his consistent high-level performance.
Despite a strong performance in 2017, including another MSI victory, T1 narrowly lost in the World Championship finals, marking a rare emotional moment for Faker who was seen crying after the defeat. The following years saw periods of struggle for the team, though Faker consistently delivered individual brilliance, earning numerous LCK titles and achieving significant personal milestones.
In 2020, Faker solidified his commitment to the organization by signing a new three-year contract that also made him a part-owner and executive at T1 Entertainment & Sports. This unique arrangement demonstrated his long-term vision for esports beyond his playing career.
Later Career and Continued Relevance
Faker’s tenth year as a professional player in 2022 was marked by several new LCK records, including becoming the first player to reach 2,500 kills and play 700 games in the league. T1 achieved a historic undefeated 18–0 record in the 2022 LCK Spring Split, an unparalleled feat. In 2023, after overcoming a wrist injury earlier in the year, Faker led T1 to win his fourth World Championship title, making him the first player to achieve this milestone and, at 27, the oldest player to do so. He was also named the LCK Player of the Year and Mid Laner of the Year in 2023.
His dominance continued into 2024, where he secured an incredible fifth World Championship title on November 2, 2024, and was again named the Worlds MVP, eight years after his first. This further cemented his legacy as the greatest “Faker League of Legends” player. He also achieved his 600th LCK win, 3,000th LCK kill, 5,000th LCK assist, and 100th World Championship win in 2024.
Faker has also represented South Korea internationally, earning a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games and a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games. The gold medal victory in 2022 notably granted him exemption from mandatory military service in South Korea. On July 28, 2025, T1 announced another contract extension for Faker, tying him to the organization until 2029, meaning he will continue to play professionally until at least 33 years old.
Faker Personal Life & Family
Lee Sang-hyeok’s personal life is characterized by his dedication to his profession and a famously frugal lifestyle. He was primarily raised by his father, Lee Kyung-joon, and his grandparents, alongside an older brother. His mother was largely absent during his formative years, which some sources suggest contributed to his shy and introverted nature.
Despite his immense wealth and global fame, Faker is known for living modestly, reportedly spending as little as $170 per month on personal expenses, with T1 providing food and board. This ascetic approach allows him to maintain a “monk-like” focus on his gaming career. Information regarding a “Faker gf/bf” or “Faker husband/wife” is not publicly available, as he keeps his romantic relationships private, choosing instead to focus on his career.
His personal interests outside of gaming include solving puzzles and taking care of potted plants. He has also stated his ambition to complete his high school education after his professional career concludes.
Awards and Achievements of Faker
Faker’s career is decorated with an unparalleled collection of awards and championships, solidifying his status as the most successful player in League of Legends history.
| Category | Award/Title | Year(s) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Championship Titles | World Champion | 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024 | |
| Worlds Most Valuable Player (MVP) | 2016, 2024 | ||
| Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) Titles | MSI Champion | 2016, 2017 | |
| MSI MVP | 2016 | ||
| LCK (Champions Korea) Titles & Awards | LCK Champion | 10 times (e.g., Summer 2013, Winter 2013-2014, Spring 2015, Summer 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2019, Summer 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2022) | |
| LCK Season MVP | 2013 Summer, 2013-2014 Winter, 2015 Summer | ||
| LCK Finals MVP | (Specifics may vary, often included with LCK titles) | ||
| LCK Player of the Year | 2023, 2024 | ||
| LCK Mid Laner of the Year | 2023, 2024 | ||
| LCK First All-Pro Team | Multiple (e.g., 2022 Spring, 2023 Spring) | ||
| Asian Games | Gold Medal (League of Legends) | 2022 | |
| Silver Medal (League of Legends) | 2018 | ||
| Esports World Cup | Esports World Cup Champion | 2024 | |
| Individual Accolades | Best Esports Athlete (The Game Awards) | 2017, 2023, 2024 | |
| Individual Accolades | PC Player of the Year (Esports Awards) | 2023, 2024 | |
| Individual Accolades | Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (Entertainment & Sports) | 2019 | |
| Individual Accolades | ESL Esports Hall of Fame Inductee | 2019 | |
| Individual Accolades | LoL Esports Hall of Legends Inductee (Inaugural) | 2024 |
Faker Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, “Faker net worth” is estimated to be around $10 million, though some sources provide a broader range of $30-50 million. This substantial wealth places him among the highest-paid athletes in the world, not just in esports.
His income streams are diverse and include:
- Professional Salary: Faker’s rumored annual salary with T1 is estimated to be between $5.6 million and $6 million, making him one of the highest-paid gamers globally.
- Prize Winnings: Throughout his career, Faker has accumulated approximately $1.8 million in prize money from various tournaments, including the World Championships and LCK.
- T1 Ownership: Since 2020, Faker has been a part-owner of T1 Entertainment & Sports, holding an estimated 6% ownership stake in the organization, which was valued at $220 million. This stake could be worth $13.2 million, significantly contributing to his overall wealth.
- Real Estate Investments: Faker is the sole owner and landlord of a large office building in Seoul called “Faker Tower,” located in the Gangseo District near his childhood home. This property reportedly cost around $8.3 million in 2020 and generates consistent rental income from multiple businesses.
- Sponsorships and Endorsements: Given his status as the “Faker wiki” states, the greatest player in LoL history and a highly marketable personality, he has secured lucrative sponsorship deals with global brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Red Bull, Samsung, Nike, Razer, and Secretlab.
- Streaming Revenue: Faker maintains a significant online presence, with 3.9 million followers on Twitch and nearly 2 million subscribers on YouTube. While his competitive schedule limits frequent streaming, these platforms generate additional passive income through subscriptions, advertisements, and fan donations.
Legacy and Influence
Faker’s legacy in League of Legends and esports is unparalleled. He is universally recognized as the greatest player of all time, the “Michael Jordan of esports,” and “The Unkillable Demon King.” His innovative gameplay, exceptional mechanical skill, strategic depth, and consistent performance over more than a decade have inspired countless aspiring players and shaped the competitive landscape of League of Legends.
His unwavering loyalty to T1, being the only team he has ever played for professionally, is a rare feat in the often-volatile world of esports and stands as a testament to his character. Beyond his competitive achievements, Faker has made significant social contributions, engaging in philanthropic efforts and donating thousands to organizations like the Community Chest of Korea and the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association. His public image is one of a disciplined, humble, and focused athlete, transcending the gaming world and becoming a recognized figure globally.
In May 2024, Riot Games honored his legendary status by inducting him as the inaugural member of the LoL Esports Hall of Legends, a Hall of Fame for League of Legends.
Interesting Facts about Faker
- Frugal Lifestyle: Despite his multi-million dollar earnings, Faker is famously frugal, reportedly spending only about $170 per month on himself.
- Post-Win Ritual: He is known for his unique habit of eating broccoli on stage after significant victories, a reflection of his calm and focused personality.
- Academic Ambition: While he dropped out of high school to pursue his esports career, Faker has expressed a desire to complete his education once he retires from professional play.
- Loyalty to T1: Faker has played for only one organization, T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1), throughout his entire professional career since 2013, making him one of the longest-tenured players on a single team in esports history.
- Early Game Design: Before League of Legends, Faker showcased his analytical and creative skills by creating custom maps for games like Warcraft III and Chaos.
- ”Unkillable Demon King”: This widely known nickname was earned early in his career due to his ability to survive seemingly impossible situations and consistently outperform opponents in the mid-lane.
- Childhood Rival: Faker attended high school with fellow professional League of Legends player Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu, who has been a long-time rival in the LCK.
Controversies
Faker’s career has been remarkably free of major controversies. He maintains a highly professional public image, focusing primarily on his game and team. One notable challenge he faced was a wrist injury in 2023, which required him to take a temporary break from competitive play. However, he successfully returned to the competitive stage, leading T1 to another World Championship title, demonstrating resilience and overcoming physical setbacks.
Social Media Presence
Faker maintains a significant online presence, allowing fans to connect with him and follow his content. As of August 2025:
- Twitch: He boasts approximately 3.9 million followers on his Twitch channel.
- YouTube: His YouTube channel has nearly 2 million subscribers, where he shares gameplay highlights and other content.
While his competitive schedule often limits his streaming frequency, his channels remain lucrative sources of income through advertisements, subscriptions, and fan donations.
Final Words about Faker
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok’s journey from a quiet, puzzle-loving child to the undisputed “God” of League of Legends is a testament to extraordinary talent, unwavering discipline, and relentless dedication. As of 2025, at 29 years old, he continues to defy conventional esports career timelines, having recently extended his contract with T1 until 2029. This commitment means fans can expect to see the “Faker League of Legends” legend continue to compete at the highest level until at least the age of 33, a remarkable feat in a sport where players often retire much earlier.
Beyond his active playing career, Faker’s influence is secured by his unique position as a part-owner of T1 and his expressed interest in transitioning into a leadership role within the organization. His legacy is not just defined by the multitude of trophies and individual accolades but also by his humble demeanor, philanthropic efforts, and the profound impact he has had on the global esports community. Faker is more than just a player; he is an icon, a trailblazer, and an enduring symbol of excellence in competitive gaming, inspiring countless individuals and setting an unparalleled standard for future generations of esports athletes.