In esports, staying on top rarely happens for long. Even a few years at the peak is considered impressive. This makes Faker’s 10-year rule over League of Legends truly one-of-a-kind.
When Faker first showed up in 2013 as a promising new player on SK Telecom T1, nobody expected his rise to glory. With lightning-fast skills and clever playmaking, he quickly earned the title “The Unkillable Demon King.”
Rising to Glory (2013-2017)
In his very first season, Faker won the Summoner’s Cup at the 2013 Worlds. This marked the start of an era of greatness for him and SKT. They scored back-to-back Worlds victories in 2015 and 2016, making Faker the first 3-time World Champion in League history.
During these years at the top, Faker built his legacy with jaw-dropping plays. His LeBlanc and Zed became permanently banned against him. He even brought unusual niche picks like Master Yi into the professional meta. No team could find an answer to counter his skills.
Whether on hard carry champs or supportive ones like Lulu, Faker’s drive to win was unmatched. He wasn’t just the best on the planet – he was redefining what it meant to be the greatest.
Losing the Crown (2017-2022)
But even the mightiest can fall. Samsung Galaxy defeated the SKT empire at the 2017 Worlds, starting the toughest chapter of Faker’s career. Over the next few years, Faker struggled to reclaim his former status, now on T1. They even failed to qualify for 2018 Worlds – a first for the organization.
As new young stars like ShowMaker and Knight grabbed the spotlight, many wondered if Faker’s days of glory were permanently gone. Though flashes of brilliance on signature champs like LeBlanc and Twisted Fate did appear, Faker slowly faded into the background, making way for T1’s next-generation talents.
The King Returns (2022-2023)
After years of letdowns, 2022 seemed poised for a T1 comeback with Faker’s guidance. They dominated the LCK regular split, dropping just one series. However, stumbles in playoffs and Worlds 2022 foiled their redemption hopes again.
Going into 2023, very few still believed in the aging legend. But a determined Faker led his crew of young prodigies on an inspired lower bracket run at Worlds 2023. They took down three powerhouse Chinese teams in do-or-die games to reach the finals versus Wayward’s blg. Not many favored the LPL’s #1 seed, but very few had witnessed Faker’s unrelenting champion mindset. T1 would sweep BLG 3-0 decisively, completing the Miracle Run.
The Undisputed Greatest of All Time
That long-awaited 4th Summoner’s Cup cemented Faker as League’s undisputed Greatest of All Time. More awe-inspiring than just his natural talent is his unmatched dedication over a period where stars burn out at unprecedented rates.
In 2023, the Unkillable Demon King remains one of the only active competitive gamers from League’s early days. He has accomplished what no other esports athlete has – stay at the very top for over a decade.
As you watch Faker easily overcome world-class competition in improbable comebacks, appreciate that the best underdog tale in esports history is happening before you. Icons like him come once in a lifetime. While the future may hold more glory or defeat, his place as League’s GOAT will never be displaced.
