During what was supposed to be a regular LCK match day at Inspire Arena, T1 surprised everyone with something bigger than a win: they announced that Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has signed a new 4-year contract, locking him in with the team until the end of 2029.
That’s not just big news for League of Legends fans. It’s a defining moment for esports as a whole.
Because in an industry where players retire young, rosters change every few months, and loyalty rarely lasts more than a couple of seasons, this kind of long-term deal is unheard of. Faker will be 33 by the end of this new contract. For reference, most Korean pros retire before they hit 26.
T1 didn’t just keep a star player. They set a standard for what it looks like to truly invest in a legend.
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T1 Built Faker, and Now They’re Protecting What They Built
Faker has been with T1 since his debut in 2013. They didn’t sign a superstar—they raised one. Year after year, they’ve built their team, their brand, and their entire identity around him. He’s stayed through meta shifts, international losses, rebuild phases, and personal slumps.
Other orgs might drop a player after one underwhelming season. T1 stayed with Faker for 12 straight years—and now they’ve locked him in for four more.
This contract shows that T1 understands the value of what they have. Faker isn’t just someone who can win games. He’s a pillar of the team’s global recognition, a magnet for fans, and a source of inspiration for every new player who walks through their doors.
This Move Sends a Clear Message to Every Esports Org
Here’s what T1 has proven: if you want long-term success, you need to do more than sign top-tier players. You need to develop them, believe in them, and reward them for the loyalty and value they bring.
This is the same philosophy we see in traditional sports dynasties—organizations that take the long view and build around players who matter.
With Faker, T1 didn’t just chase short-term wins. They built a legacy. And now they’re doubling down on it. That’s what makes this deal different. It’s not about age or past trophies. It’s about understanding that some players are foundational to everything a team stands for.
Other orgs should take notes.
A New Outlook on Player Longevity
Faker playing until he’s 33 changes how we think about the lifespan of an esports career. It proves that with the right support system and personal discipline, players can compete—and thrive—well beyond their twenties.
This could open doors for more players to push for long-term careers. It also gives young rookies a reason to believe that esports can offer real professional stability, not just a flash-in-the-pan fame cycle.
Faker’s deal tells every up-and-coming pro out there: if you build value and stay committed, the right org might actually return that loyalty.
Faker’s Legacy Is Now Bigger Than the Game
Faker’s presence is still a massive competitive advantage. But his value goes far beyond his mechanical skill. He draws global attention. He sells out arenas. He inspires generations of players. He’s woven into the fabric of Korea’s gaming culture.\
By locking him in until 2029, T1 isn’t just extending a career. They’re committing to a living legend who continues to grow the game on every level, from casual fans to the international stage.
And because of that, his new deal benefits not just the team, but the entire esports ecosystem.
Why This Contract Actually Matters
At a time when most orgs are focused on short-term hype and quick wins, T1 made a long-term play—and it might be the smartest move an org can make.
It proves that loyalty still means something. That legends deserve to be taken care of. That esports can build the kind of legacies we associate with basketball, football, or baseball.
T1 didn’t just secure their midlaner. They sent a signal to the world about how esports talent should be treated. If more teams followed this model, the industry would be healthier, more stable, and more inspiring for everyone involved.
What Comes Next
Faker’s four-year extension isn’t the end of his story. It’s the next chapter in a career that continues to break records and redefine what’s possible in this space.
And maybe years from now, we’ll look back on this announcement not just as a feel-good moment for T1 fans, but as the moment esports started thinking long-term.
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