Faker Net Worth 2024, Salary and Earnings: Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok is the most successful League of Legends player in history with 5 World Championships, who currently serves as the mid laner and part-owner of T1, commanding an annual salary of $5.6 million and maintaining an estimated net worth between $30-50 million as of 2024.
Key Facts About Faker
• Born as Lee Sang-hyeok on May 7, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea.
• Professional League of Legends player for T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1).
• Holds record for most World Championships (5) in League of Legends history
• Faker’s current estimated net worth is between $30-50 million as of 2024.
• Annual salary of approximately $5.6 million from T1.
• First player to reach multiple LCK milestones including 3,000 kills and 5,000 assists.
• Part-owner of T1 Entertainment & Sports since 2020.
Who is Faker?
Lee Sang-hyeok, professionally known as Faker, stands as the most accomplished professional League of Legends player in competitive gaming history. His impact on esports parallels that of traditional sports legends, earning him the nickname “The Unkillable Demon King” through his unprecedented achievements and longevity at the highest level of competition.
Early Life and Background
Born in Seoul’s Gangseo District, Faker spent his formative years under the care of his father and grandmother. As a child, he displayed remarkable analytical abilities, often challenging himself with complex puzzles and self-directed learning of foreign languages. His gaming journey began at local arcades with titles like Tekken and King of Fighters before transitioning to PC gaming.
In 2011, when League of Legends launched in South Korea, Faker quickly mastered the game. While attending Mapo High School, he made the pivotal decision to pursue professional gaming, receiving his father’s support to leave formal education.
Professional Career
Faker’s professional journey began in 2013 when SK Telecom T1 signed him as their mid laner. His debut match on April 6, 2013, showcased his exceptional talent with a memorable solo kill against established player Ambition. During his rookie season, Faker led SKT to both domestic and international success, securing his first World Championship title.
Between 2014 and 2017, Faker dominated competitive League of Legends, accumulating five LCK titles and two additional World Championships. His mechanical prowess and strategic understanding of the game set new standards for professional play. In 2016, he achieved what many consider his competitive peak, securing the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) MVP award and his third World Championship.
Achievements and Records
Faker’s competitive accomplishments include:
- 10 LCK Championships (2013-2022).
- 5 World Championships (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024).
- 2 MSI Championships (2016, 2017).
- Asian Games Gold Medal (2022).
- First player to reach 3,000 kills in LCK.
- Over 5,000 career assists in professional play.
Financial Success and Net Worth
As of 2024, Faker’s estimated net worth ranges between $30-50 million. His annual salary from T1 sits at approximately $5.6 million, making him one of the highest-paid esports athletes globally. In 2020, he became a part-owner of T1 Entertainment & Sports, diversifying his income through equity ownership.
Business Ventures and Properties
Faker’s financial portfolio includes significant real estate investments, notably the ownership of “Faker Tower,” a commercial office building in Seoul. His business acumen extends to partnerships with global brands including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Red Bull, Samsung, and Nike. His car collection features luxury vehicles including a BMW M550i xDrive Sedan, BMW 420i Coupe M Sport, and Mercedes-AMG EQE 53MATIC+.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Despite his fame, Faker maintains a relatively private personal life. His philanthropic efforts include substantial donations to COVID-19 relief efforts, contributing ₩30 million to the Community Chest of Korea in 2020 and ₩50 million to the Seoul Social Welfare Fund in 2022. He also supported flood relief efforts in South Korea with a ₩30 million donation in 2022.
Recent Developments
In 2024, Faker continues to break records and set new standards in professional League of Legends. He became the first player to reach 5,000 assists in the LCK and maintains his position as team captain for T1. His influence extends beyond competitive play through his role in team ownership and brand partnerships.
Legal Matters
In July 2022, Faker and T1 initiated legal action against individuals who had engaged in malicious online harassment. The lawsuit, filed through Apex Law, LLC, addressed serious personal attacks and inappropriate content targeting Faker and his family members. This legal action highlighted the challenges public figures face in the digital age and set precedents for protecting esports athletes from online harassment.
Impact on Esports
Faker’s influence on competitive gaming transcends his individual achievements. His professional approach, consistent performance, and longevity have established new standards for esports athletes. His success has helped legitimize professional gaming careers in South Korea and globally, inspiring a new generation of players.
Broadcasting and Media Presence
While maintaining focus on competition, Faker has established a significant media presence. His streaming debut on Twitch in 2017 broke platform records with 245,100 concurrent viewers. He appears in numerous commercial campaigns and has featured in documentaries about esports and League of Legends, contributing to the mainstream acceptance of competitive gaming.
Latest News (November 2024)
T1’s Faker has once again proven his legendary status by leading his team to a historic fifth World Championship title. The semifinals match against their rivals drew nearly 5 million concurrent viewers, highlighting Faker’s enduring appeal and competitive excellence.
During the World Championship knockout stages, Faker and T1 displayed exceptional form, particularly in their quarterfinal performance where they dominated world-class opponents. This success came after a challenging regular season, showing Faker’s ability to elevate his game during crucial moments.
This comprehensive overview of Faker’s career, achievements, and influence demonstrates why he remains the most recognized figure in esports. His continued success and professional longevity showcase not just individual talent but the evolution of competitive gaming as a legitimate professional pursuit.
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