Attention all League of Legends fans! We're celebrating 15 incredible years of esports, and what better way to mark this occasion than by highlighting the GOAT himself, Faker!
Faker, the South Korean esports legend, has been an absolute force to be reckoned with for over a decade. His dominance has sparked comparisons to the greatest athletes in traditional sports, from Michael Jordan to LeBron James. But here's where it gets controversial... some even dare to compare him to icons like Lionel Messi and Tiger Woods!
At just 29 years old, Faker is poised to make history once again. This Sunday, in Chengdu, China, his team, T1, will face off against kt Rolster in an all-Korean showdown for the 2025 League of Legends World Championship. The winning team will take home a whopping $5 million, plus a share of the profits from exclusive in-game cosmetics, known as skins, designed specifically for the champions.
This potential milestone for Faker coincides with a significant anniversary for the sport. It's been 15 years since the first LoL Worlds, and the tournament has grown exponentially with each passing year.
In the lead-up to this year's epic showdown, we've gathered insights from Faker and other esports pioneers who have shaped the history of this incredible sport.
When asked about his favorite memories, Faker humbly replied, "I can't choose just one. All my experiences at Worlds are memorable." And it's no wonder, with an unprecedented five World Championship titles under his belt (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024)!
Faker's journey is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, he has consistently evolved his gameplay, staying ahead of the curve and dominating the competition.
"There's a special kind of resilience in being able to pick yourself up after low points in your career and adapt your gameplay as new, younger players emerge," said Emily Rand, a broadcast analyst at Worlds and former esports journalist. "Faker's story is truly inspiring."
Whether he adds another trophy to his collection or not, Faker is honored to be a part of this incredible journey. "It's amazing to see the league still thriving after all these years. Being able to compete at Worlds this year is a privilege," he wrote.
While Faker's achievements speak for themselves, it's his humility and impact on the sport that truly sets him apart. "To be so unaffected by the pressure and to understand the pride he brings to his country is remarkable," Rand added.
Marc Merrill, co-founder of Riot Games, couldn't agree more. Faker was the obvious choice as the inaugural inductee into the LoL Hall of Legends in 2024. "Faker is in a league of his own. He's humble, likable, and a great teammate. Will we ever see another like him? He's one of a kind, and that's a beautiful thing."
But Faker isn't the only legend in the realm of League of Legends. Jian "Uzi" Zi-Hao, the second inductee into the Hall of Legends, played a pivotal role in bringing esports to the forefront in his homeland of China. Despite never winning a Worlds title, Uzi's electrifying performances in the 2010s left an indelible mark on the game and its fans.
"The year I first made it to the finals stands out the most," Uzi recalled. "Even though we didn't win, I'll never forget the atmosphere, the cheers, and the feeling of fighting alongside my teammates. That moment solidified my choice to keep going."
Around the same time, in North America, Yiliang "Peter" Peng, better known as Doublelift, was making waves of his own. His fiery personality and legendary performances have left an impact on the sport.
"Nothing compares to the feeling of beating the best in the world, and nothing compares to the feeling of falling short after a year of hard work," Doublelift said. "It's a double-edged sword, but I'm grateful for the experience."
The growth of League of Legends esports is nothing short of remarkable. The first Worlds in 2011 had 1 million viewers. Fast forward to last year, and the peak viewership reached a staggering 50 million, according to Riot Games.
David "Phreak" Turley, one of the original shoutcasters, recalls the early days of Worlds, which took place in a gaming convention in Sweden. "It definitely had basement vibes," he said. "But the growth and evolution of the sport have been incredible."
Emily Rand, another shoutcaster, grew up in Boston, a city passionate about its sports teams. She remembers watching the Boston Red Sox and how League of Legends quickly became more than just a hobby.
"I started following kt Rolster, who are facing Faker's T1 in the finals this year. They're a fun team to follow, always keeping you on your toes," Rand said.
Looking back on the past 15 years, Marc Merrill reflects on the early days of Riot Games, when it was just an idea he and his friend, Brandon Beck, had while studying business at USC.
"It's surreal to think about what we've achieved. If current me could travel back in time to meet college me, I think he'd slam the door in my face! It's such an improbable dream come true."
As we celebrate this anniversary, let's not forget the dramatic moments that have shaped the sport. The 2022 Worlds final, featuring a clash between Deft and Faker, was a thrilling showcase of competition.
"It was an emotional competition, with two former schoolmates facing off. The story and the gameplay were incredible," said John Needham, president of publishing and esports at Riot Games.
So, as we look ahead to this year's Worlds, let's hope for another unforgettable anniversary celebration!
What are your predictions for this year's tournament? Will Faker add another title to his collection? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
