Faker and the Evolution of League of Legends Esports: A 15-Year Retrospective
Key Takeaways:
- Faker’s Enduring Legacy: Faker, often compared to Michael Jordan or LeBron James of esports, stands as a dominant figure with five Worlds titles, showcasing incredible longevity and adaptation.
- Esports Growth from Humble Beginnings: The League of Legends World Championship has evolved from small, "basement vibes" events with a handful of viewers to global spectacles attracting tens of millions.
- Global Impact and Emotional Resonance: LoL Worlds provides career-defining moments for players and evokes deep emotions for fans, reflecting the game’s significance within its community and beyond.
- KT Rolster’s Underdog Story: KT Rolster’s appearance in the 2025 LoL Worlds finals and showdown with T1 adds an element of unpredictability and potential for an underdog victory.
- Historical Significance: The tournament is steeped in history, having celebrated the induction of two iconic figures into the LoL Hall of Legends and having a number of memorable moments over the past 15 years.
Lee Sang-hyeok, universally known as Faker, continues to solidify his position as an esports icon, drawing comparisons to sporting legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Tiger Woods. The 29-year-old South Korean player is on the cusp of potentially securing his third consecutive League of Legends World Championship (LoL Worlds) title as his team, T1, prepares to face kt Rolster in the 2025 final in Chengdu, China. This year’s championship holds additional significance as it marks the 15th anniversary of LoL Worlds, a milestone that underscores the game’s enduring popularity and global reach. The winning team will receive $5 million, alongside a share of revenue from custom character outfits called skins.
Faker himself acknowledges the importance of the Worlds tournament throughout his career. When asked about his favorite moments, he expressed it was nearly impossible to pick just one due to the magnitude of the competition. His unprecedented five Worlds titles stand as a testament to his sustained excellence and dominance in the ever-evolving esports landscape. Despite a few stumbles along the way, Faker has consistently remained a competitive force. This continual reinvention is a testament to his dedication and adaptability.
Emily Rand, a broadcast analyst, highlights the resiliency of Faker, noting that his occasional setbacks and ability to overcome them only amplify his legacy. Rand commends Faker’s humility and understanding of his significance to his country, qualities that distinguish him from many traditional athletes. Marc Merrill, co-founder of Riot Games, further emphasizes Faker’s unique status, stating that his skill, humility, and likability make him a singular figure in esports history, prompting the question of whether another player of his caliber will ever emerge. In 2024, Faker was the inaugural inductee into the LoL Hall of Legends.
The second inductee was Jian "Uzi" Zi-Hao, a player whose electrifying performances at Worlds in the 2010s were pivotal in popularizing esports in China. Although he never clinched a Worlds title, Uzi’s impact on the game and his status as a national hero are undeniable. Uzi fondly recalls his first Worlds final appearance in 2012, highlighting the electrifying atmosphere and the camaraderie with his teammates as defining moments in his career. He appreciates the opportunity to witness the growth of League of Legends and the broader esports scene over the years.
On the North American front, Yiliang "Peter" Peng, known as Doublelift, made his own mark with bold pronouncements and memorable performances. He reflects on a pivotal group stage victory by Team Liquid in 2019, where he felt his performance peaked. Doublelift acknowledges the inherent duality of competition, recognizing both the exhilaration of victory and the disappointment of falling short.
The growth of LoL Worlds from its humble origins to a global phenomenon is remarkable. The inaugural event in 2011 attracted 1 million viewers, whereas last year’s event reached nearly 50 million viewers. David "Phreak" Turley, a shoutcaster at the first Worlds, recalls the event’s "basement vibes," a stark contrast to the modern, high-production-value arenas of today. Despite the rudimentary conditions, the event marked the beginning of something extraordinary.
Phreak remembers being astounded by the growing viewership during that first broadcast, transitioning from a few thousand to eventually reaching one million viewers. The early days of LoL Worlds reflect the rapid growth of the League of Legends esports scene. Rand, who grew up watching traditional sports in Boston, transitioned from being a player to an esports journalist and broadcaster, documenting the escalating scale of Worlds finals.
John Needham, president of publishing and esports at Riot Games, cites the 2017 Worlds opening ceremony, featuring a virtual dragon, as a seminal moment in esports history. Merrill reflects on the initial idea for Riot Games while studying at USC, emphasizing the improbable nature of their success. For pure drama, the 2022 Worlds final between Deft and Faker stands out, a thrilling victory for Deft’s DRX. Needham highlights the emotional narrative surrounding Faker and Deft, former schoolmates with intertwined paths in their League of Legends careers, making the competition all the more compelling. As the 2025 LoL Worlds unfolds, the anticipation for another memorable chapter in the game’s history is high.