T1’s professional gamer "Faker" Lee Sang-hyuk has reaffirmed his unparalleled status in the esports world by being selected as "Esports Player of the Year" at The Game Awards (TGA) for the second consecutive year.
Faker was named the winner in the "Best Esports Player" institutional sector at the 2024 TGA ceremony held at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Dec. 12.
Having won in the same institutional sector for two consecutive years since 2023, Faker is regarded as the most successful player in esports history. Since his professional debut in 2013, he has served as T1's mid-laner for 11 years, establishing himself as an icon in the League of Legends esports scene.
Faker has won the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds) four times (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023) and set the remarkable record of being the first in the world to win consecutive championships in 2015 and 2016. Additionally, he showcased his prowess in international competitions by winning the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) in 2016 and 2017.
This year's Worlds final was particularly intense. Faker played a central role in leading his team to a dramatic victory against a Chinese team after a four-hour battle, finishing with a set score of 3-2. He delivered a performance worthy of being named the finals MVP. In recognition of his contributions, Faker has become the inaugural inductee into "The Hall of Legends" established by Riot Games this year. The Hall of Legends is a place that honors individuals who have contributed to the development of games and esports, making Faker the first recipient of this award in history.
Faker's team, T1, was also recognized as "Best Esports Team" at the TGA on this day. In addition to winning Worlds this year, T1 has achieved a remarkable record of 10 championships in the domestic league, League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), cementing their legacy in LoL history. Faker holds the record for the most appearances and the most wins in the LCK, competing in 935 matches and securing 631 victories.