As Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok approaches a monumental moment in his career, the esports world is gearing up to witness the League of Legends legend reach his 1,000th official game in the LCK. According to league data, this milestone will be achieved in the Spring 2025 season, a feat few have even come close to in professional play.
A Milestone Etched in History
Faker’s landmark appearance comes following a high-profile series against Gen.G, which not only drew massive viewership but became the most-watched regular season match in LCK history. His 1,000th game will take place against KT Rolster—a fitting opponent in the long-running rivalry known as the Telecom Wars.
Interestingly, this milestone was initially expected to be reached during the LCK Cup at the beginning of the year. The Cup, coincidentally, also featured a scheduled matchup against KT Rolster. However, LCK commentators clarified that Cup matches are not included in regular season statistics, so those games did not count toward his total.
With the milestone just ahead, it’s the perfect time to look back at the most iconic games that helped shape Faker’s legendary status.
Where It All Began – Debut Against Ambition as Nidalee
Faker’s competitive debut in 2013 marked a seismic shift in the professional scene. Facing off against CJ Blaze’s mid laner Kang ‘Ambition’ Chan-yong, Faker—then playing for SK Telecom T1 K—chose Nidalee. Not only did he dominate from the start, but he also solo-killed Ambition in lane, a moment that left the casters in shock. One of the commentators even said that such a death from Ambition had never been seen before, signaling the arrival of a new era.
Going Beyond – LeBlanc Pentakill vs NaJin Sword (LCK Spring 2015)
Faker’s LeBlanc play has always been mesmerizing, but in the Spring 2015 split, he took it a step further. In a one-sided deciding match against NaJin Sword, he delivered a jaw-dropping pentakill—his only official one. Using his signature champion, he finished the game with a rapid takedown of the enemy Kalista, cementing the match in highlight reels forever.
Riven’s Surprise Return – SKT T1 vs KT (LCK Summer 2015 Finals)
In a move that surprised analysts and fans alike, Faker brought out Riven during the finals against KT Rolster. This champion was considered unviable at the professional level at the time. Facing Kim ‘Nagne’ Sang-moon in the mid lane, Faker executed a brilliant dodge against Cassiopeia’s ultimate during a tower dive and snowballed the match. This performance helped his team secure another LCK championship.
Azir’s Reign – The Unkillable Demon King (LCK Summer 2023 Playoffs)
Though Ryze is often associated with Faker, Azir has become a cornerstone of his career over the past decade. During the 2023 Summer Playoffs, his mastery of the Emperor of the Sands was on full display. One moment stood out when he avoided a two-man gank from the enemy support and jungler with precise movement—reinforcing the moniker “Unkillable Demon King.”
A Defining Legacy – Zed Duel vs Ryu in Game 5
No list would be complete without referencing Faker’s legendary Zed duel against KT Rolster’s Ryu ‘Ryu’ Sang-wook. In the days of blind picks during decisive games, both players chose Zed. What followed was an intense one-on-one outplay in the mid lane, with Ryu attempting to punish Faker. However, Faker turned the tables with impeccable mechanics. This clip would go on to define his legacy for years to come.
The Ultimate Rivalry – SKT T1 vs KT (LCK Spring 2017)
Perhaps one of the most unforgettable Telecom Wars took place in Spring 2017. KT Rolster, then home to 2022 world champion Kim ‘Deft’ Hyuk-kyu, had assembled a super team aiming to dethrone SKT T1. Game 3 of the series was a dramatic battle, with KT gaining an early advantage. However, Faker and his squad mounted a comeback, eventually defending their base with the Nexus barely standing. In the final moments, they wiped KT off the map and claimed victory in a 53-minute epic.