For most League of Legends pros in South Korea, the looming mandatory military service often signals the end of their careers. Players typically face a choice: serve for two years, likely ending their professional journey or seek opportunities abroad. T1’s Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, who began his esports career at a young age after leaving high school, seemed destined for this crossroads despite his unparalleled success.
However, a twist of fate arrived with South Korea’s victory at the 2022 Asian Games. This win, achieved alongside teammates Chovy, Kanavi, Keria, Ruler, and Zeus, granted Faker and his team a rare exemption from the mandatory military service that curtailed the careers of many before them.
@davidszajnuk They’ve done it! #leagueoflegends #faker #korea #asiagames #bts
Faker stole the show despite playing only one match in the main event. Even before he arrived in China, news agencies called him an athlete to watch, putting him on the same level as Asia’s leading sports personalities. AFP wrote, “Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok is a legendary figure in esports and widely acknowledged to be the best League of Legends player of all time.” Reuters added, “South Korea’s Lee Sang-hyeok, better known by his gaming handle ‘Faker,’ will be one of the biggest drawcards at Hangzhou.”
Faker’s popularity was evident throughout the event. Upon his arrival at the Hangzhou airport, a massive crowd of fans and journalists greeted him. Fans at the venue showcased their support with homemade stickers, placards, and chants of “Faker! Faker!” during the medal ceremony. Online forums and social media platforms like Weibo were flooded with messages of support and admiration for the esports legend.
@maisesportsbr Faker causou um ALVOROÇO no aeroporto de Hangzhou! 🚨 #maisesports #leagueoflegends #faker #asiangames2023
Faker, esports icon
His journey began in elementary school, where he was introduced to video games. His exceptional skills in League of Legends, released by Riot Games in 2009, led him to drop out of high school and embark on a professional esports career. By 2013, he was defeating top players and ascending to stardom. Fans admire him not just for his gaming prowess but also for his hardworking image, humility, and clean reputation. Guagua, a 25-year-old fan, said, “He’s an example for many people. There’s negative news about so many esports athletes, but you’ll never see any about Faker.”
Esports made its medal debut at the Hangzhou Asian Games, with seven gold medals up for grabs across different games. In the League of Legends competition, two teams of five players face off in a battle to destroy the opponent’s “nexus.”
@thapcamtvesports Solokill Dành Cho Faker #solokill #highlights #leagueoflegends #lolesports #esports #faker #thapcamtv #learnontiktok #asiad2023 #master2023bytiktok #gamingontiktok
Faker did very well in the one match he played, going 12/1 in 17 minutes. While Chovy was a significant force for Team Korea, Faker‘s influence was undeniable, both in and out of the game. Team Korea defeated Chinese Taipei 2-0, securing the Asian Games crown. This win marked Korea’s second gold in esports at the Games, following a victory in Street Fighter V by Kim Gwan-woo.
Faker can now continue playing without worrying about enlistment. His contract with T1 is valid till 2025, so fans can expect more thrilling moments from this popular esports icon. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: The pro gamer did what even BTS couldn’t—avoid serving in the South Korean military. Source: Instagram/@faker.
