League of Legends Hall of Famer Faker still going strong after 12 years

SINGAPORE – Professional gamers are not often associated with longevity, with many retiring in their mid-20s in contrast to traditional sports – but League of Legends Hall of Famer Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok is defying convention after 12 years in the e-sport.

Lee, who turns 29 in May, has no plans to retire any time soon.

Speaking to the press via an interpreter on Feb 26, Lee said: “As a professional gamer, I believe that the No. 1 thing that’s most important is passion.

“Because whatever you do, if you have an interest and want to do well in it, then you will try to figure out what you’re lacking and will try to learn and fill that gap.

“I do not have a specific plan about retirement, never thought about it yet, and what’s most important to stay long as a pro gamer is to keep my passion burning.”

The South Korean gamer is in town for Razer’s Esports Summit, which was held to celebrate their 10-year partnership.

On Feb 25, the e-sports superstar created a buzz at the technology firm’s headquarters in one-north, where around 1,000 fans showed up for a meet-and-greet session with Lee – hundreds more supporters had to be turned away at the door.

Lee joined the T1 team in 2013 and has been an ever-present force in the squad, winning five world championship titles. His most recent triumph was at the 2024 edition, where Lee – one of the oldest players in the competition – led his team to victory against China’s Bilibili Gaming in the final.

He was also the first and only player inducted into the League of Legends – a multiplayer online battle arena game – Hall of Fame in 2024 and is widely considered as the GOAT (greatest of all time)