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Return of the Demon King: T1 and Faker have eyes on 4th Worlds Title
Peak of League
In the history of League of Legends, there is no greater player, more accomplished or decorated than Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok. Having enjoyed a decade-long career in one of the most competitive leagues, the LCK, he has successfully amassed countless accolades, sealing his reputation in the annals of League history as the GOAT.
[youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8vGaC4OZIs"]
During his decade long tenure, the legendary player has managed to wrest not one, not two, but three Worlds titles from his rivals, cementing his legacy as the ace midlaner of T1. Of particular interest to note, is that two of his three Worlds titles came from the States.
Three Time Champions
In 2013, “Faker” was the then rising star of the SK Telecom Team 2. Formed around “Faker,” the team of rookies would not only emerge as the stronger of the two SK Telecom rosters, but a favorite to win Worlds despite qualifying as the 3rd seed from South Korea. SKT 2 would go on to not just meet the insane expectations, but pass with astounding dominance as they clean swept Chinese representative 1st seed Royal Club at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.
2 years later, “Faker” would emerge as a two-time world champion after the team, now known as SK Telecom T1, won against Rox Tigers in Europe in 2015. T1 would then return to the States in 2016, this time as the second seed after a 3rd place finish at Summer Playoffs. Once more within the Staples Center, “Faker” led T1 to victory in a B05 series that went the distance against LCK 3rd seed Samsung Galaxy.
One More for The Books
T1, previously known as SK Telecom T1, is one of the most stories organizations. The South Korea-based organization currently enjoys the prestige as the only team to have ever won 3 Worlds titles.
Having lost to rivals Samsung Galaxy in 2017 in the finals in heartbreaking 0:3 fashion, the roster would continuously fail to capture that elusive fourth title in the following years. In both 2019 and 2021, they would fall in semifinals, just shy of the mark.
2022 however, has T1 looking rejuvenated. With their top lane and jungle stronger than ever thanks to Choi "Zeus" Woo-je and Mun "Oner" Hyeon-jun alongside Korea’s best support Ryu "Keria" Min-seok, this could finally be T1’s year. Furthemore, "Faker" was back in the States once more.
Legacy to Remember
The legendary player, now at 26-years-old and a decade into his career, had achieved more than the majority of his peers ever will. But he is still hungry for more. Another Worlds Title where it all began.
In years past, it could be said the roster was not enough. But this iteration, had already achieved not just the longest win streak in LCK history at 24 wins, but also the first and only LCK team to achieve a perfect regular season. If there was ever a time, it would be now.
Path to Glory
In the quarters, T1 will face MSI 2022 winners Royal Never Give Up. The LPL representatives have fallen on tough times in the latter half of the year; however, it is difficult to truly count them out. With strong talent on the Chinese side, T1’s match will not only set the tone for their Knockout Stage Run but also assess their current strength.
T1's match will be live broadcasted on 21st Oct 9pm GMT live on Twitch and Youtube.
Image source: Riot Games