If you follow League of Legends, you already know the name. Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok is widely considered to be the greatest esports player of all time. But beyond the trophies and titles, there is a financial story that is just as impressive.
So, how much is Faker really worth? Let's break it down.
Faker is believed to have a net worth of around $10 million, although other sources suggest the figure may be closer to $25 million or higher. The wide range exists because their contracts are private and they have never publicly disclosed their exact earnings.
Taking into account his investment and equity stake in T1, some estimates put his net worth at more than $50 million. The truth probably sits somewhere in the middle, and it's still growing.
Born on May 7, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, Lee Sang-hyeok grew up in an ordinary family, raised primarily by his father and grandparents. He discovered League of Legends as a teenager and quickly climbed the Korean solo queue rankings before being scouted by SK Telecom T1 in 2013 at only 17 years old.
On April 6, 2013, Faker played his first professional match and immediately dominated. By the end of that year, he had already won his first World Championship.
His nickname “The Unkillable Demon King” was not given lightly. It was earned through over a decade of elite-level play that never really faded.
Fakers do not earn from a single source. Over more than a decade at the top of the competitive game, he has built up multiple sources of income.
Faker's T1 salary reportedly reaches $7-8 million annually, making him comfortably the highest-paid League of Legends player in the world. To put this in perspective, the average LCK player makes about $200,000-$400,000 per year; Faker makes about 20 times that.
In July 2025, Faker signed a four-year contract extension with T1, which will keep him with the organization until 2029, when he will be 33 years old, well past the normal retirement age for professional esports players. This extension shows how much T1 believes in him, and how committed Faker is to the organization he has called home since 2013.
This is where things get really interesting. As of 2020, Faker holds stock options, giving him a 6% stake in T1 Entertainment and Sports. With T1 valued at $220 million and annual revenue of $35.5 million, this stake immediately added $13.2 million to his net worth, and it continues to grow.
Faker reportedly turned down offers of more than $10 million per year from Chinese and North American teams, instead opting to remain with T1 and negotiate an equity stake in the organization. This decision may be more valuable than any salary.
Faker owns a commercial building in Seoul, South Korea, known as "Faker Tower", which was initially purchased in 2020 for over $8 million USD. He uses the top floor for his company and leases out the remaining floors to generate consistent rental income.
It's a smart, low-risk investment that earns passive income while you sleep – something that very few eSports players have done.
Faker has partnered with major brands including Nike, Red Bull, Razer, and various tech and gaming hardware companies. Industry estimates suggest that top LoL players earn hundreds of thousands to several million dollars annually from sponsorships. Faker's deals likely sit at a higher level given his global reach.
Faker has 3.9 million followers on Twitch and 2.1 million subscribers on YouTube and over 450 million views. He primarily streams on the South Korean platform SOOP, formerly known as AfreecaTV. Although he is not a full-time streamer, his occasional sessions also attract massive audiences.
Faker has earned over $2 million in prize money, becoming the first League of Legends player to surpass this milestone. He has won six World Championship titles – in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024 and 2025 – making him the most decorated player in the history of the game.
| Income Source | Estimated Value |
| T1 Annual Salary | ~$7–8 million/year |
| T1 Equity Stake (6%) | ~$13.2 million (current) |
| Faker Tower (Real Estate) | ~$8 million+ (purchase price) |
| Sponsorships (Nike, Red Bull, etc.) | Millions per year |
| Streaming (SOOP, YouTube, Twitch) | Hundreds of thousands/year |
| Career Prize Money | $2 million+ (official) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $10–25 million (up to $50M) |
Faker's net worth is impressive, but what makes his story truly remarkable is how he built it. He turned down big salaries to bet on long-term equities. He invested in real estate while most esports players were still living on rent. Despite earning millions, he lives simply. And he continues to compete at the highest level well into his twenties.
Whether you're a League of Legends fan or just someone who follows the game business, Faker's financial story is one of the most interesting in all of esports.
Faker's estimated net worth in 2026 ranges from $10 million to $25 million, with some estimates upwards of $50 million, including investments.
Faker makes money from his T1 salary, sponsorships, streaming, tournament winnings, real estate, and his equity stake in T1.
Faker Tower is a commercial building in Seoul owned by Faker. It was purchased as a real estate investment and generates rental income.
Yes, Faker is considered to be the highest-paid League of Legends player due to his salary, sponsorships, and long-term investments.
