League of Legends was produced and released by Riot Games on October 27th of 2009. The game was inspired by the successful Blizzard game Warcraft III map called Defense of the Ancients, a customer map. “Lol” as it is normally called if a free to play game and its monetized through in game customizable purchases. The game is only available for either PC or MAC platforms.

Gameplay

The gameplay consists of two teams of five players face off in intense player-versus-player combat, each side defending their portion of the map. Every player controls a unique character, known as a "champion," each with distinct abilities and play styles. Throughout the match, champions gain strength by accumulating experience points, earning gold, and buying items to overpower the opposing team. In the primary game mode, Summoner's Rift, victory is achieved by advancing into the enemy's territory and destroying their "Nexus," a significant structure located at their base.

Esports

With the rise of League of Legends, the popularity of the game in Esports was exponential. Currently Riot Games has reported between 44 and 45 million viewers of the sport. Harvard Business Review said that League of Legends epitomized the birth of the esports industry. League games are typically livestreamed on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. The company sells streaming rights to the game in the North American league playoff is broadcast on cable television by sports network. This rise in viewership has also led to an increase in esports betting. For those interested, Fanatics Sportsbook offers a special promo code for the biggest LoL tournaments year-round.

The rise of Lee (Faker) Sang-hyeok

Lee Sang-hyeok was born May 7, 1996, in Gangseo District, Seoul. His early years were spent under the care of his grandparents and his father, Lee Kyung-joon. Although he was not heavily into computer games during his youth, he enjoyed playing Tekken and King of Fighters at the local arcade. Over time, he gradually transitioned into PC gaming, exploring titles like Maplestory and Warcraft III.

League of Legends Debut

Lee made his debut in LOL in Korean in 2011 and “Faker” presented his father with a proposal to leave school and pursue a career in esports. A month later, his father granted his request. He made his professional debut on April 6, 2013, at a televised match held in Seoul, South Korea, where he secured solo kill against the South Korean All-Star mid laner Kang "Ambition" Chan-yong.

Career Accolades

During his 11 year career Lee Sang-hyeok has won: 4× World champion (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023), Worlds MVP (2016), 2× MSI champion (2016, 2017), MSI MVP (2016), 10× LCK champion, 2× LCK Season MVP LCK Finals MVP, 2× LCK First All-Pro Team, 2× LCK Second All-Pro Team LCK Third All-Pro Team LCK Player of the Year (2023) just to name a few. 

With the Korean national team “Faker” has won a silver medal in the 2018 Asian Games that took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, and a gold medal in the 2022 Asian Games that took place in Hangzhou, China. With the gold medal, Faker received an exemption from mandatory military service.

Sponsorships

Faker has become a prominent figure in marketing campaigns for various brands. Companies such as Nike, Razer, Red Bull, and Creative Artists Agency have leveraged Faker's image to promote their products and services.

Hall of Fame

Riot Games announced on May 22, 2024, that Faker was their inaugural entry into the Hall of Legends. To celebrate his induction into the Hall of Legends, a new in-game event is being launched in League of Legends. This event features an event pass, a battle pass, offering various cosmetics themed around Faker that players can unlock. Additionally, a new skin for the champion Ahri is being released in honor of Faker.