Faker (Gamer) Biography: Age, Gaming Career, Net Worth, eSports, YouTube, Parents, Instagram

Lee Sang-hyeok, known as Faker, is a South Korean professional League of Legends player, widely regarded as the greatest player in the game’s history.

As the mid-laner and part-owner of T1, his unmatched skill, record-breaking achievements, and global influence have earned him the nickname “Unkillable Demon King” and comparisons to sports icons like Michael Jordan.

Profile

• Full Name: Lee Sang-hyeok
• Stage Name: Faker
• Born: May 7, 1996
• Age: 29 years old
• Birthplace: Gangseo District, Seoul, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Occupation: Professional Esports Player, Part-Owner of T1
• Height: 5 feet 9 inches (176 cm)
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Lee
• Siblings: Lee Sang-hoon
• Spouse: Not Married
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: USD 10 million

Early Life and Education

Lee Sang–hyeok, a renowned professional esports player, was born on May 7, 1996, in Seoul’s Gangseo District, South Korea.

Raised by his father, Lee Kyung-joon, and grandparents, alongside his older brother, Lee Sang–hoon, Faker grew up in a modest household.

Faker attended Mapo High School in Seoul but dropped out to pursue a professional gaming career, a decision supported by his father.

He began playing League of Legends in 2011, when the Korean server launched, and quickly excelled under the alias “GoJeonPa.”

His ethnicity is Korean, and his religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed; his zodiac sign is Taurus.

Career

Faker, an elite professional esports player and part-owner of T1, launched his career in 2013 when scouted by SK Telecom T1 at age 17.

Debuting as the mid-laner for SKT T1 2 (later T1), he led the team to a third-place finish at OLYMPUS Champions Spring 2013, earning recognition as a top mid-laner.

That year, he secured his first League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) title and World Championship, defeating Royal Club 3-0, cementing his reputation as the “Unkillable Demon King.” His aggressive playstyle and mastery of champions like Ahri, LeBlanc, and Ryze set him apart.

Faker’s dominance continued, with wins in the World Championships in 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024, making him the only player to have won five titles.

He has secured 10 LCK titles, two Mid-Season Invitationals (2016, 2017), and a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games.

Notable milestones include reaching 3,000 LCK kills, 5,000 assists, and 600 wins by 2024. In 2020, he became a part-owner of T1, renewing his contract until November 2025.

Despite setbacks, such as a 2017 World Championship final loss and a 2023 wrist injury, Faker’s resilience and adaptability have kept him at the pinnacle of esports, inspiring players globally.

Awards and Nominations

• World Championship Titles (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024), with Finals MVP in 2013, 2015, and 2024
• Mid-Season Invitational Titles (2016, 2017), with MVP in 2016
• LCK Titles (10, record holder), with Mid Laner of the Year and Player of the Year in 2023
• Best Esports Athlete at The Game Awards (2017, 2023, 2024)
• PC Player of the Year at Esports Awards (2023, 2024)
• Inaugural Inductee, LoL Esports Hall of Legends (2024)
• Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Entertainment & Sports (2019)
• ESL Esports Hall of Fame (2019)
• Gold Medal, 2022 Asian Games
• Best Mid Laner, 2013 Korean eSports Awards

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @faker
• Twitter Handle: @faker
• YouTube Channel: T1 Faker

Personal Life

Lee Sang-hyeok, a celebrated professional esports player, maintains a disciplined life at age 29, primarily residing in Seoul, South Korea, often in T1’s gaming house with teammates.

He is single, with no publicly confirmed relationships, spouse, or children, keeping his romantic life private.

Standing at 5 feet 9 inches (176 cm) and weighing approximately 56 kg, Faker has black hair and eyes, maintaining a lean physique through regular exercise to support his gaming focus.

Known for his shy and reserved nature, he enjoys playing the piano, volunteering at animal shelters, and relaxing with his teammates.

His hobbies include solving puzzles and exploring new games, reflecting his analytical mind. Despite his fame, Faker lives modestly, donating to charities such as the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association ($35,250 in 2025).

His gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games earned him a military service exemption, a significant milestone in his career.

Net Worth

Faker, a trailblazing professional esports player and part-owner of T1, has an estimated net worth of USD 10 million.

His wealth is derived from a $5 million annual salary (2020 estimate), nearly $2 million in prize money from 72 tournaments, and lucrative sponsorships with brands such as Razer, Nike, and Red Bull.

His Twitch channel (3.9M followers) and YouTube channel (1.99M subscribers) generate significant streaming revenue, while his 6% ownership stake in T1 and real estate, such as Faker Tower in Gangseo, bolster his finances.

Faker’s frugal lifestyle and charitable contributions, including those supporting COVID-19 relief, reflect his grounded approach to wealth despite being among the richest esports stars.