Faker says he will “be the best player again,” but is he right?

Despite enduring eighteen challenging months with T1, superstar Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok remains steadfast in his competitive ambitions. The esports icon’s journey through recent difficulties hasn’t diminished his championship mindset or altered his fundamental goals for professional excellence.

A recent YouTube Creator Spotlight documentary provides unprecedented access to Faker’s current mindset, featuring a twelve-minute exploration of his post-championship career phase. This intimate portrait reveals how the legendary competitor balances in-game performance with personal development, while confronting a period marked by inconsistent play and underwhelming team results.

“My self-assessment during gameplay consistently places me at the elite level—I identify minimal weaknesses compared to professional peers. While future competitive landscapes remain unpredictable, I’m confident in my capacity to regain dominant form,” Faker articulated in the film.

This revealing documentary showcases Faker’s dual identity as both gaming persona and individual athlete, suggesting substantial competitive longevity remains ahead. The central question becomes whether T1’s organizational direction aligns with Faker’s personal aspirations for continued excellence.

T1’s 10-man roster frustrates fans and Faker

Although Faker stands as League of Legends’ most decorated professional and one of its most admired personalities, recent seasons have generated significant controversy surrounding his team role. Multiple benchings during the 2020 LCK Summer Split fueled widespread speculation about T1 potentially transitioning from their franchise player toward emerging talent. The organization’s failure to qualify for the 2020 World Championship represented a substantial setback for the traditionally dominant esports powerhouse.

This season, T1 implemented an unconventional competitive approach by deploying a ten-player rotation system. This strategic experiment has yielded mixed competitive returns, with T1 occupying mid-table positioning in LCK standings, while simultaneously attracting public criticism from their star mid laner.

The situation intensified when Faker opted for self-benching during the team’s performance decline, reigniting transfer rumors about his potential departure. However, T1 head coach Yang “Daeny” Dae-in clarified the actual circumstances, explaining Faker’s decision-making process during a Korizon Esports interview.

“Following our match against DRX, Faker requested a private meeting… He expressed needing development time. We reached mutual understanding—I instructed him to continue solo queue practice while I provided scrimmage analytics, returning when performance metrics indicated readiness,” Daeny explained.

The League of Legends Champions Korea enters its final regular season week, with T1 having secured postseason qualification. Their concluding match features a showdown with Hanwha Life Esports scheduled for March 28.

Is Faker retiring?

Retirement considerations appear distant for Faker’s career trajectory. He maintains starting mid lane responsibilities for T1, and even considering hypothetical release scenarios, numerous competitive opportunities exist across Chinese and North American leagues. The predominant uncertainty involves South Korea’s mandatory military service requirements, though deferral options potentially extend his competitive window for several additional years.

For players looking to improve their own gameplay, studying Faker’s approach to class selection and strategic decision-making provides valuable insights. His ability to adapt to different team compositions and meta shifts demonstrates why he remains relevant despite organizational challenges.

No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Faker says he will “be the best player again,” but is he right? Faker's determination to reclaim top form amid T1's controversial roster strategy and career challenges