T1 Faker: "I won't force my kids to play League. I've really lived the life of a pro player and I know how difficult it is"

Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, midlaner of T1 at MSI 2025.

"The MSI trophy is one our fans, and we, have long been waiting for. Every tournament is important"

Once again, T1 stands on the brink of claiming another international trophyat the 2025 Mid-Season Invitational. With only their nemesis and rivals Gen.G left to face, the Demon King himself aims to add one more trophy to his lengthy collection. In an exclusive interview, midlaner and star player Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok sits down with Sheep Esports to reflect on his career, discuss the significance of winning MSI, and share insights about the life of a pro player.

You're facing your long-time rivals Gen.G in the MSI Finals tomorrow after today's win over Anyone's Legend. What are you expecting from the match, and are you ready to do everything it takes to win?

Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok: "Although we lost to Gen.G a few days ago, I'm happy we have another chance in the finals. Tomorrow, I'll try my best to win.

You've won Worlds five times and MSI twice, but not since 2017. What would it mean to win MSI again after so many years? Do you see it as being as prestigious as Worlds?

Faker: The MSI trophy is one our fans, and we, have long been waiting for. Every tournament is important. I'll prepare myself well and try my best to win it.

Over the years, you've seen many players join and leave T1. What does it mean to you to still be here, carrying on the legacy of the team? How do you feel knowing so many players have retired while you're still competing?

Faker: As a player, I always try to focus on my own performance and my professionalism. Players who are here and who have come and gone probably have seen me, and hopefully I've been their motivation. But for me, I just want to keep playing better and keep playing well.

You've been playing League for 14 years. Is it hard to imagine life without it, since it's been such a big part of your life?

Faker: Throughout my 20s, I've played a lot of League of Legends and it's been a long tenure. But no matter what, I've always tried to play as much League of Legends as I could throughout my career and always strived to improve.

Many people, including Tsai "HongQ" Ming-Hong, say you have a strong aura and presence. How does that make you feel? Would you prefer they didn’t see you that way?

Faker: I always try to keep to myself and be myself, but I really appreciate how players perceive me that way. Thank you.

You recently posted about seeing yourself on noodle packaging and joked about spotting a celebrity. How do you feel about being such a well-known figure, someone people get excited to see on the street?

Faker: I've been playing as a professional gamer for a long time, now I'm kind of used to and familiar with how people react. But back in the days before my debut, I probably would’ve been surprised if I had experienced that. As for now, I just appreciate my current life as a gamer and try to improve day by day.

You'll be recording another MSI trailer for tomorrow's finals. Are the lines you say in those trailers things you actually believe, or are they scripted?

Faker: Most of them are scripted, but they make really good narratives. I don’t express myself that well in interviews, so I’m thankful for them. To answer your question—it’s mostly scripted from the start.

You've been playing a lot, and with MSI, EWC, and Summer all lined up, it's a packed year. How do you avoid burnout with such a demanding schedule?

Faker: I'm kind of used to this packed schedule—I deal with it fine. I still have moments where I can rest in between matches. For example, after today's game, I'm probably going to rest at the hotel. I always see these many matches as good experiences and try to learn from them.

People often talk about you and Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon as rivals because of your careers. After so many years competing against him, have you had the chance to interact? Do you see him only as a rival?

Faker: I don't really interact with players outside of my team or outside of official matches, so we don't have a strong relationship outside of the game. In-game, Chovy and I have played a lot of great games—I consider him a good opponent.

If you have kids one day and League is still popular, would you teach them to play? Could there ever be a Faker Jr.?

Faker: I won't force my kids or teach them to play League because I've really lived the life of a professional gamer and I know how difficult it is. So, I'll probably let my child do whatever he or she wants to do.

Since you mentioned you watch anime, is there any anime you like?

Faker: It's a secret."

Translation courtesy of Jeong "Becker" Hoi-yoon

Header Photo Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games