Lee Sang-hyeok, better known by his in-game name Faker, is a South Korean professional League of Legends player widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of the game. Nicknamed the “Unkillable Demon King,” Faker has become a global esports icon and a national treasure in South Korea, where his dominance, humility, and long-standing loyalty to a single team—T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1)—have elevated him to legendary status.
Faker was born on May 7, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in the Gangseo District with his father and younger brother. He discovered video games early in life, initially enjoying custom maps in games like Warcraft III and gradually moving to League of Legends after its release in 2009. By the time he debuted professionally in 2013, Faker had already gained a reputation for his insane mechanics and deep champion pool in the solo queue ladder.
He joined SK Telecom T1 in 2013 and instantly made waves, helping the team win the Season 3 World Championship. Over the years, Faker led T1 to multiple World Championships (2013, 2015, 2016) and has won numerous LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea) titles. His loyalty to T1 is unmatched in esports, having refused lucrative offers from other organizations to stay with the team that gave him his start.
With over a decade-long career, Faker’s consistency and sportsmanship have made him the face of League of Legends and a symbol of esports excellence. He is not only the most decorated LoL player but also one of the very few esports athletes to achieve celebrity-like status in mainstream culture, even being featured in commercials, educational campaigns, and TV interviews in Korea.
In 2023, Faker made history again by leading T1 to their fourth World Championship title, securing his legacy as the only four-time World Champion in League of Legends history. Despite wrist injuries and the challenges of staying competitive in a rapidly evolving scene, Faker remains active and continues to inspire fans across the globe.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Lee Sang-hyeok |
| Other/Nickname | Faker, The Unkillable Demon King |
| Profession/Occupation | Professional Esports Player |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 29 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | May 7, 1996 |
| Hometown | Gangseo District, Seoul |
| Caste/Religion | N/A |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Taurus |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | 176 cm (5’9″) |
| Weight | Approx. 65 kg |
| Body Measurements | N/A |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | Not publicly known (supportive parent, featured in interviews) |
| Mother | N/A (lives with father) |
| Brother | Lee Sang-hoon |
| Sister | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Relationships
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Dating | No public information |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Mapo High School (Dropped out for career) |
| College/University | N/A |
| Educational Qualification | High School (partially completed) |
Controversies
Despite being in the public eye for over a decade, Faker has remarkably maintained a clean image. One of the few minor controversies involved fans criticizing him for using his platform to speak on political or social issues, which he generally avoids. Another minor incident occurred when he was targeted by online abusers, which led to him taking legal action against hate speech and online harassment. His measured response won him praise rather than backlash.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Kimchi stew, meat dishes |
| Favorite Movie | Interstellar |
| Favorite Actor | Not publicly stated |
| Favorite Actress | Not publicly stated |
| Favorite Color | Black |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | Jeju Island |
| Favorite Cafe | N/A |
| Favorite Brand | Nike, Logitech |
| Favorite Book | N/A |
| Favorite Athlete | Lionel Messi |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Estimated $1–2 million/year (including bonuses) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5–10 million USD |
Contact Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.faker.gg (T1 team site) |
| E-Mail Address | Not disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not disclosed |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea (private) |
Social Media
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Lee Sang-hyeok (Faker) |
| @faker (Managed by T1) | |
| Official T1 Esports page | |
| @faker |
Personal Quote:
“I just want to be remembered as a good player who always tried his best.”
Early Life and Career:
Lee Sang-hyeok showed signs of brilliance from a young age. He was raised by his father, who nurtured his gaming interests rather than restrict them. Before professional play, he was already a legendary figure in Korean solo queue, known for his aggressive playstyle and ability to master almost any champion in the game.
Faker was scouted by SK Telecom T1 in 2013 and made his pro debut that same year. In his rookie season, he stunned the esports world with a now-iconic Zed vs. Zed outplay against Ryu, considered one of the greatest moments in esports history. He went on to lead his team to victory at the Season 3 World Championship.
Over the years, Faker became known not only for his gameplay but also for his sportsmanship, leadership, and humility. He became the heart and soul of T1 and the face of League of Legends worldwide. His success helped elevate South Korean esports and inspired a new generation of players.
Current Life/Events:
As of 2025, Faker remains an active player and central figure in the T1 roster. He led his team to another World Championship in 2023, reaffirming his dominance in the League of Legends scene. Outside the game, Faker is involved in charity work and has been a key advocate for player welfare and online safety. He is also a co-owner of T1, ensuring his legacy within the organization extends beyond his competitive years.
Despite wrist injuries and calls for retirement, Faker has made it clear: he plays because he loves the game. His continued success and relevance have turned him into an enduring legend in esports.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Faker
- Faker’s in-game name was inspired by a card game term and symbolizes deception and mind games.
- He is known for his extremely minimalist lifestyle—he doesn’t use social media much and has no interest in luxury.
- Faker once turned down a $20 million offer from a Chinese team to stay with T1.
- He is fluent in Korean and has studied some English to communicate with global fans.
- Faker has a near-photographic memory when it comes to in-game scenarios and champion mechanics.
- He is the first League of Legends player to have an in-game skin modeled after him—SKT T1 Zed.
- Faker’s emotional reactions during wins are famously reserved, often showing little more than a slight smile.
- He was once featured on Korean postage stamps as a symbol of national pride.
- Despite being a global icon, Faker still lives with his father.
- He enjoys reading and watching science fiction in his downtime.
