Faker named among TIME’s 100 most influential people in sports for 2026

Six-time world champion and three-time defending champion Lee "

Faker

" Sang-hyeok is the face of esports and League of Legends. TIME clearly agrees, as he was included in its inaugural 100 Most Influential People in Sports list in 2026, alongside global superstars such as LeBron James, who appears on the cover, as well as Lionel Messi, Eileen Gu, and Carlos Alcaraz. Beyond making the list, Faker was also selected in the Icons category, the publication's most prestigious group, ahead of names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Stephen Curry, and Alex Morgan.

According to TIME, in a companion article, the inaugural TIME100 Sports list aims to recognize the 100 most influential figures in global sports, focusing not only on athletic achievements but also on cultural, economic, media, and societal impact. A notable distinction that helps explain Faker's placement ahead of more traditional sports stars, given that he stands as the biggest name in esports by a considerable margin.

As a result, beyond his undeniable competitive success, reflected in one of the greatest résumés in esports history, his influence within the ecosystem was also highlighted. Already honored by Riot Games as the first-ever Hall of Legends inductee in 2024, the South Korean player has long surpassed the status of a League of Legends superstar. In his home country, the Unkillable Demon King is one of the most recognizable public figures, a reflection of both his legacy and the prominent role that League of Legends and esports have played in South Korea since the industry's rise in the 2000s.

In 2025, for example, Faker ranked fifth in a list of the most famous and influential South Korean personalities outside of South Korea, behind groups such as BTS and Blackpink. His influence extends well beyond gaming audiences. In early 2026, he was awarded the Cheongnyong Medal by the President of South Korea, the highest distinction an athlete can receive in the country. During the 2023 Asian Games in China, Agence France-Presse notably headlined that "South Korean gamer 'Faker' gets rock-star treatment at Asian Games." Faker would go on to win the tournament, securing a gold medal for South Korea.

Despite turning 30, Faker is expected to continue his competitive career through the end of 2029 after re-signing with , his longtime organization, in July 2025. Already firmly established among the greatest figures in esports history, the South Korean star is giving himself more time to expand an already unmatched trophy cabinet and perhaps claim a fourth consecutive Worlds title this year, further cementing a dynasty that already stands alone.