Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok may just be the most successful esports personality in the world, let alone in League of Legends. It makes sense then that the legendary player was featured in a Chinese monthly periodical of composition topics to try and inspire students. Faker was likely featured in its April issue, as that’s when Chinese news site 163.com first reported on it, but it was missed until recently by English-speaking media.
The periodical provides students with inspirational and positive-energy materials for writing essays, and Faker drew on his career as a successful student prior to his journey into esports for his feature.
The periodical chose to include Faker in this issue, according to 163.com’s article, because the esports industry is beginning to be recognized by the mainstream community at large. It wanted to appeal to the portion of readers seeking to pursue esports as a career. In its broadest sense, the message of the feature is that if you want to become an esports pro, as long as you have a dream and you’re willing to work hard, you can become the next Faker.
The message of the article is important for everyone, though, not just for esports hopefuls. If you want to become successful, the feature urges you to find a dream, and using effort and a serious attitude like Faker, you can achieve it.
Faker’s career on SKT has hit a rocky patch. They were kicked out of the LCK playoffs by KT Rolster in the second round, missing an MSI qualification. Before that, they were defeated by Samsung Galaxy for the 2017 Worlds title, the most prestigious title any team can earn in the League scene. That being said, Faker’s popularity hasn’t diminished much, if at all.
Faker said that fans were lamenting that SKT’s dynasty was over, according to 163.com. He also mentioned that if it was true, it’s because younger and unknown teams have more of a chance to climb up and earn it. Faker admitted to lamenting, too, about the constant state of change the game has become known for, and how it’s only become more extreme year-by-year.
Faker is hoping to redeem SKT this split, but they’re off to a pretty bad start with only three wins and five losses, tied for seventh place. Their next game is against Hanwha Life Esports next Friday at 6am CT.
