The 100th Worlds win is for Faker. League of Legends pro-gaming team T1’s midlaner, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok adds yet another achievement to his storied career. After T1’s decisive victory over G2 Esports on October 11, 2024, he now becomes the first player ever to reach 100 wins at the LoL World Championship.
The Match That Made History
The League of Legends esports world witnessed history after the Worlds 2024 Swiss Stage Round 4 match between T1 and G2. The old rivals clashed yet again on the international stage, adding yet another battle to their 8-year rivalry. G2 has been a thorn on T1’s side in 2019, with their dominant performance booting the South Korean team out of the Worlds Semifinals. This time, however, T1 simply made sure that they would be the ones to write history.
The pen goes to Faker, as his stellar plays on Ahri in both games were crucial to T1’s victory. T1 sealed the series 2:0, securing their slot in the quarterfinals and Faker his 100th win at Worlds. While truly legendary, this milestone almost comes as no surprise to anyone who recognizes Faker as the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.) in League. As fans humorously quipped, the important October 11 match to Faker was “just another Friday”, and his historic 100th win is just a normal achievement.
페이커의 리그 오브 레전드 스토리는 계속됩니다.
— T1 LoL (@T1LoL) October 11, 2024
그 자체가 살아있는 전설이기 때문이죠.
His League of Legends story is onging.@faker is truly the living legend! #T1WIN #T1Fighting #Worlds2024 pic.twitter.com/lUHc9eCD1z
Faker’s Unparalleled Legacy
2013 marked the year Faker burst into the esports scene, winning his first Worlds at just 17 years old. He made this achievement with T1 (then SK Telecom T1/SKT T1) and has stayed with the team since then. While the team’s members have come and gone, only Faker remained unchanged in T1’s roster, his value to the organization simply too great to lose.
1⃣0⃣0⃣ WINS AT WORLDS FOR @FAKER. pic.twitter.com/3vVrRppU8I
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) October 11, 2024
Individually, Faker boasts an impressive collection of achievements that cement his reputation as the face of League and its greatest player. In his 11-year career, Faker has achieved 100 Worlds wins, 4 World Championship titles, 9 Worlds appearances, 10 LCK championships, and 2 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) victories. The star midlaner has also broken many other minor records, whether internationally or in the LCK.
His impact extends beyond his in-game achievements in League, bringing many players and fans toward the game and sports and inspiring countless of pro gamers. On June 6, 2024, Faker became the first ever Hall of Legends inductee, honored for his unparalleled greatness and contributions to LoL esports.
What’s Next for T1 and The GOAT?
No one has ever come close to what Faker and T1 has achieved so far, and it’s unlikely anyone will for a long time. Faker’s legacy will continue to be unmatched as he even shut down retirement rumors with his 4th Worlds win in 2023. This marked Faker’s first win in seven years, and he dedicated the trophy to his teammates Zeus, Oner, Gumayusi, and Keria, who with him created the iconic T1 roster, ZOFGK.
Faker continues achieving new heights with this roster since 2022. Their Swiss Stage run most recently showcases the team’s incredible synergy and teamfighting prowess. In T1’s second Swiss win against Bilibili Gaming, Gumayusi and especially Keria drew admiration for their decisive and strategic plays. Meanwhile in their qualifying match against G2, T1’s toplane duo were simply on another level. Zeus’ mastery of his champions and Oner’s incredible Baron steal were key factors that handed them their clutch victory.
WELCOME TO THE #WORLDS2024 QUARTERFINALS, @T1LOL! pic.twitter.com/DOzqmLhrVh
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) October 11, 2024
Now, making it to the Worlds 2024 Knockout Stage, T1 and Faker are on their quest to achieve more, and potentially add another Worlds win to their already stacked track records. However, while Faker recently renewed his contract, those of the other four are expiring in November. Fans worry about a roster change, wishing the legendary ZOFGK to stay together for longer.
The Unkillable Demon King, A Living Legend
Even as other players fall away, Faker has managed to stay on top. His capability of adapting and evolving through every season in his decade-long career has earned him the title “The Unkillable Demon King” and led to his portrayal as an insurmountable force; the final boss. His legacy will forever remain as the greatest in League of Legends history, and his name will always be respected even beyond the game.
Truly a living legend, Faker is still adding more and more achievements in his already storied career. His 100 Worlds wins is testament to the determination, resilience, and genius that has made him the best in his profession. As the Knockout Stage closely approaches, many eyes are trained onto him and T1, awaiting whether they can once again assert their legendary status and defend their championship title.
