The recent refusal of a million-dollar proposal by Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Fakerreverberated intensely in the eSports community.
The renowned ‘League of Legends’ player, four times world champion, surprised by declining an astronomical offer of US$18.4 million to play for a Chinese team.
Faker and his goals
On a South Korean television program, Faker revealed the reason for his refusal:
“My goal now is to learn more and keep growing, not to make money or become more famous.”
The impactful decision was made despite the considerable salary increase offered, compared to what he currently receives at T1, the team he has been linked to since 2013.
The legendary LoL player refuses an offer of US$18.4 million, preferring personal growth over financial profit – Image: Riot Games/Reproduction
The Korean mid-laner, in an interview translated by the AllKpop portal, emphasized that his current team treats him well, an additional reason for his stay.
He also suggested that the speculated values of the Chinese offer could differ from reality, mitigating the financial dimension of the decision.
Faker, whose career has been filled with notable achievements, has revealed a shift in perspective over the years.
From a beginning in which he aimed to make money in championships, he began to prioritize honor and dedication to helping his teammates, transforming himself not only into an exceptional player, but also into a mentor and leader admired by his peers.
This year, 2023, was remarkable for Faker, who not only secured his fourth world title in ‘League of Legends‘, but also won gold at the Asian Games, thus obtaining an automatic exemption from mandatory military service in South Korea for 18 months.
Faker, born on May 7, 1996, is widely recognized as the best player in ‘League of Legends’ history.
His trajectory at T1 is a successful saga, marked by 10 ‘League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK)’ titles, two ‘Mid-Season Invitational’ (MSI) titles and four world championships.
His individual feats and records are revered in the competitive scene, consolidating him as a living legend of the sport. eSports.
In addition to his achievements on the virtual battlefields, Faker is a prominent commercial figure as he appears in numerous commercials and talk shows around the world.
In 2020, he became a partner and executive at T1 Entertainment & Sports, which expanded his influence beyond virtual arenas.
The gamer is an icon of the ‘League of Legends’ and an inspiration for aspiring pro players, demonstrating that, for some, true value lies in personal growth and dedication to ideals, even in the face of million-dollar offers.
His decision to stay at T1 reinforces his devotion to the game, as well as his commitment to cultivating a legacy that transcends the pursuit of financial success.
