Faker Net Worth: Lee Sang-hyeok, more popularly known by his in-game name Faker, is a South Korean professional esports player who plays League of Legends (LoL). He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of esports and is synonymous with competitive gaming. Faker’s incredible mechanical skill, strategic mind, and dedication to his craft have earned him international fame and a significant net worth over the years. This biography will cover everything you need to know about Faker, from his net worth to his personal and professional life.
Faker Net Worth
Full Name: Lee Sang-hyeok
In-Game Name: Faker
Date of Birth: May 7, 1996
Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
Age: 28 years old (as of 2024)
Nationality: South Korean
Ethnicity/Caste: Asian
Religion: Unknown
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Faker was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. From a young age, he showed an interest in video games and was particularly drawn to strategy-based games. His journey in the gaming world began with him playing custom maps in games like Warcraft III and Chaos, which helped him develop his game sense and mechanical skills.
He discovered League of Legends in 2011, and by the following year, he had already become one of the top-ranked players in Korea. Faker’s natural talent and understanding of the game caught the attention of professional teams, and he was signed by SK Telecom T1 in 2013, launching what would become an illustrious career.
Rise to Fame in League of Legends
Faker made his debut in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) in 2013, quickly gaining recognition for his exceptional play in the mid-lane role. His ability to carry games, especially with champions like Zed and LeBlanc, earned him a reputation as one of the most feared and respected players in the game.
His breakout moment came during the 2013 World Championship, where SK Telecom T1 won the title, marking Faker’s first world championship. Since then, he has won multiple LCK titles and three League of Legends World Championships (2013, 2015, 2016), making him one of the most decorated players in LoL history.
Net Worth
Net Worth: Estimated at $4 million – $5 million (as of 2024)
Faker’s estimated net worth is between $4 million and $5 million, making him one of the wealthiest esports players in the world. His wealth is primarily derived from his salary, tournament winnings, endorsements, and sponsorship deals. Let’s take a closer look at how Faker built his fortune:
Sources of Income:
- Salary from SK Telecom T1:
Faker has been with T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1) for over a decade. As one of the highest-paid esports players, his salary is reportedly in the range of $1 million per year. In 2018, T1 made Faker a part-owner of the organization, which further adds to his wealth. - Tournament Winnings:
Faker has won millions of dollars in prize money over his career, having participated in and won multiple national and international tournaments. He has earned over $1.5 million in prize money alone. - Endorsements and Sponsorships:
Due to his legendary status, Faker has signed endorsement deals with major brands, including Nike, Red Bull, Razer, and Korean Telecom (KT). These sponsorships are extremely lucrative and contribute significantly to his overall net worth. - Streaming and Content Creation:
Faker occasionally streams on Twitch, where he has a large following. Although not as active as some other streamers, his streams attract thousands of viewers, adding to his income from ad revenue and donations. - Merchandising:
Faker’s popularity has also led to a significant merchandising presence, including branded apparel, which is another source of income.
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
Age: 28 years old (as of 2024)
Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
Weight: Approximately 66 kg (145 lbs)
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Faker is known for his calm and collected demeanor, both in and out of the game. His height of 5 feet 9 inches and lean build are typical of many professional gamers, as the focus in esports is more on reflexes and mental agility rather than physical strength.
Personal Life and Family
Family Background
Faker has kept his personal life relatively private, especially regarding his family. It is known that he grew up with his father and brother, but not much is publicly available about them. Faker’s father has been supportive of his career, and his family’s quiet, supportive role has allowed him to focus entirely on his gaming career without distractions.
Romantic Relationships
Faker has not publicly shared any information regarding romantic relationships. His focus has always been on his career, and he prefers to keep his personal life private. As of 2024, there are no public reports of Faker being in a relationship or having a wife or partner.
Nickname and Online Persona
Faker is not just a nickname but a brand. He chose the name “Faker” when he first began playing League of Legends competitively, and it has become synonymous with greatness in the gaming world. His in-game persona is calm, confident, and highly strategic. Faker is known for making incredible plays under pressure, often turning games around single-handedly, earning him the nickname “The Unkillable Demon King.”
Faker’s reputation as one of the most mechanically gifted and mentally strong players in the world has earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike. He rarely shows emotion during games, which is in stark contrast to many other esports personalities, further cementing his cool, almost mysterious persona.
Education and Early Career
Faker attended Mapo High School in Seoul but dropped out in 2013 when he decided to pursue a full-time career in esports. His decision to leave school and focus on gaming was seen as risky at the time, but it has clearly paid off. His natural talent and dedication to improving his gameplay allowed him to quickly rise to the top of the competitive League of Legends scene.
Faker has mentioned in interviews that he enjoyed studying, particularly subjects like mathematics, but his passion for gaming ultimately led him to a professional esports career. Despite not completing traditional schooling, Faker has displayed an exceptional level of intelligence and strategic thinking, which has been key to his success.
Professional Career and Achievements
Team: T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1)
Faker has spent his entire professional career with T1, a rarity in esports where players frequently switch teams. His loyalty to the organization and its faith in him have resulted in one of the most successful partnerships in esports history.
Key Achievements:
- 3-time World Champion (2013, 2015, 2016)
- Multiple LCK Championships
- 2017 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) Winner
- 2022 LCK Summer Championship Winner
Faker is known for his consistency over the years. Despite the evolving meta of League of Legends, Faker has been able to adapt and remain one of the top players in the world. His ability to play a wide variety of champions at an elite level has kept him relevant for over a decade.
Religion and Beliefs
Faker has not publicly discussed his religious beliefs, and there is no indication that religion plays a significant role in his public life. As with many aspects of his personal life, he prefers to keep these details private and focuses on his professional career.
Future Prospects and Legacy
As of 2024, Faker is still competing at the highest level of professional League of Legends. Despite nearing 30 years of age, an age where many esports players retire, Faker shows no signs of slowing down. His competitive spirit and dedication to the game suggest that he will continue to play for several more years.
Faker’s legacy in esports is already secure. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, esports players of all time. His influence extends beyond League of Legends, inspiring a new generation of gamers and aspiring professionals. After retiring from competitive play, Faker is likely to remain involved in esports, possibly as a coach, mentor, or even team owner.
Conclusion
Faker, with a net worth estimated at between $4 million and $5 million, is a global icon in esports and the face of competitive League of Legends. His extraordinary skills, unmatched dedication, and calm demeanor under pressure have made him a legend in the gaming world. With three World Championships under his belt and numerous other titles, Faker’s impact on the esports industry is undeniable.
As Faker continues to compete at the highest level, his influence and success will only grow. Whether on the Rift or as a future esports leader, Faker’s contributions to gaming will be remembered for years to come.
