SK Telecom T1’s superstar mid laner Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok needs no introduction.
Arguably the greatest player in League of Legends history, Faker has won it all. His trophy case houses three World Championship titles, multiple Mid-Season Invitational crowns, and a host of regional trophies alongside other accolades that prove just how dominant he’s been over the past few years.
Recent results, however, haven’t been as good for Faker. Last year, Faker and SKT failed to make it to Worlds for the first time since 2014—and it seems to have greatly affected his confidence.
In a recent interview with Inven Global, Faker said that he feels like a “fourth-place mid laner,” which is a far cry from the confident facade we’ve seen from him in the past.
The pressure that came with being the best in the world seems to have taken a serious toll on him—so much so that during Worlds 2018, Faker claimed he didn’t watch any of the matches and instead decided to rest for the new year.
Related: SKT may have thrown away the KeSPA Cup, but fans should still have high hopes for the new roster
Now, with a new team around him, Faker is motivated to put his 2018 troubles behind him. “I’m aware that I’m known worldwide.” Faker told Inven. “That’s probably why I’m getting paid a lot. It does put pressure on me. However, it also motivates me for sure. I think that I should perform up to that.”
Faker is obviously used to seeing teammates come and go, and SKT’s failure to advance further in the KeSPA Cup might raise some doubts, but the team is still getting used to playing together—so anything can happen.
“There are times where our team members disagree since we are still in the middle of working on our teamwork.” Faker said. “But I think we will work it out soon. I think individual abilities are more important than anything else. I expect things will go well next year.”
Now we just need to wait and see if all the stars align for Faker and SKT when the 2019 LCK Spring Split kicks off this month.
H/T Inven Global
