Faker Chases History at 15th League of Legends Worlds
As League of Legends esports celebrates its 15th anniversary, one name continues to dominate conversations: Faker. The South Korean legend, known offstage as Lee Sang-hyeok, is heading into this weekend’s World Championship finals aiming for a record-breaking sixth title with his team, T1. Widely regarded as the Michael Jordan or even the LeBron James of competitive gaming, Faker has spent over a decade redefining what it means to be the best in the world at League of Legends. His career has been marked not just by victories, but by resilience, evolution, and an ability to remain ahead of the rising generation of prodigies.
Faker’s journey began in the early 2010s, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force at just 17. Over the years, he has claimed five World Championship titles in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024. His ability to adapt his gameplay has been praised by analysts like Emily Rand, who note that Faker’s story is made even more compelling by the challenges he has faced along the way. “There’s a resiliency in having low points in your career and being able to pick yourself up,” she said, highlighting how Faker’s perseverance has inspired countless fans and aspiring players around the globe.
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This year’s finals, held in Chengdu, China, pit T1 against first-time finalist kt Rolster in an all-Korean matchup. The stakes are higher than ever, with a $5 million prize pool and a share of revenue from special in-game cosmetics for the winners. Despite the pressure, Faker remains focused on the broader journey. “It’s great to see the league still strong,” he said, reflecting on how far the competition has come since its early days.
The growth of League of Legends Worlds has been remarkable. From the first tournament in 2011, hosted in a modest aircraft hangar at Dreamhack in Sweden with just 1 million viewers, the event has expanded into a global spectacle watched by nearly 50 million at its peak last year. Shoutcasters like David “Phreak” Turley recall those humble beginnings fondly, remembering how the broadcast, jokingly dubbed “Phreak’s Basement,” symbolized the early ambition of the scene.
Faker’s legacy is also intertwined with the legends who shaped the game alongside him. Players like Uzi from China and Doublelift from North America have left indelible marks, each contributing unforgettable moments to the sport’s history. Uzi may never have won a Worlds title, but his electrifying performances in the 2010s helped propel esports into the mainstream. Meanwhile, iconic matchups, such as Faker’s 2022 clash with Deft, continue to be celebrated for their drama and emotional weight.
As the 2025 Worlds final approaches, Faker is chasing yet another milestone, but his impact extends far beyond trophies. He embodies the evolution of esports itself—from basement broadcasts to sold-out arenas, from niche hobby to a global phenomenon. Whether or not T1 lifts the trophy this weekend, Faker’s influence on League of Legends and the entire esports community remains unmatched, solidifying his place as a true pioneer and the GOAT of the game.
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