TL;DR
- Faker signs unprecedented three-year playing contract with T1 through 2022
- Becomes part-owner of T1 Entertainment & Sports with post-retirement leadership role
- T1’s championship legacy includes three Worlds titles, two MSI wins, and eight LCK championships
- Follows Bjergsen’s 2019 TSM ownership as second major League player-owner
- Sets precedent for future player-organization partnership models in esports
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has cemented his legendary status by securing a groundbreaking three-year extension with T1 that extends through the 2022 competitive season, while simultaneously acquiring an ownership stake in the global esports organization.
The annual offseason speculation surrounding Faker’s career decisions has become a ritual within the esports community. Each year, anticipation builds about whether the iconic mid-laner will explore new opportunities or remain with his longtime home. This latest agreement effectively eliminates any uncertainty about Faker’s immediate future while establishing a framework for his permanent involvement with the organization beyond his competitive playing days.
Faker represents the cornerstone of T1’s brand identity and competitive success engine. The organization, which originally competed as SK Telecom T1 before rebranding, stands alone in competitive League of Legends history with an unmatched trophy collection: three World Championship titles, two Mid-Season Invitational victories, and eight LCK domestic championships. The Faker-T1 partnership constitutes the most decorated player-organization combination in professional gaming, setting records that may require decades for emerging talents to challenge.
Faker extends playing contract with T1, takes on ownership
According to official documentation released by T1 management, Faker has committed to a comprehensive three-year agreement that maintains his competitive status while preparing for organizational leadership. Upon concluding his playing career—whenever that transition occurs—Faker will automatically transition into a senior leadership position within the company structure. While specific responsibilities for his post-retirement role remain intentionally flexible, his continued representation as the public face of T1 appears strategically guaranteed.
“T1 expresses tremendous excitement about retaining Faker within our competitive roster for the upcoming three competitive cycles,” stated T1 Chief Executive Officer Joe Marsh. “From the organization’s founding moments, Faker has served as the fundamental pillar supporting our competitive achievements. His unwavering commitment to T1’s mission will continue propelling our strategic initiatives forward, particularly now that he holds equity ownership in T1 Entertainment & Sports.”
T1 Entertainment & Sports operates as a collaborative international venture managing competitive teams across multiple gaming titles including Fortnite, Dota 2, PUBG, and the Overwatch League’s Philadelphia Fusion franchise.
Faker’s ownership acquisition represents the second instance of a top-tier League of Legends professional securing equity in their competing organization. The pioneering example was established by North American veteran Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, who obtained partial ownership of Team SoloMid during October 2019.
While Bjergsen and Faker currently stand as the trailblazers in player ownership models, industry analysts anticipate they will not remain alone in this emerging trend. Prominent candidates for similar arrangements include Luka “Perkz” Perković with G2 Esports, or Jason “WildTurtle” Tran in partnership with FlyQuest—player-organization relationships demonstrating potential for extended partnership structures.
The evolving player ownership model represents a strategic shift in how esports organizations retain elite talent and build long-term brand equity. This approach provides players with financial security beyond competitive salaries while ensuring organizations maintain access to iconic figures who drive fan engagement and commercial opportunities.
Action Checklist
- Evaluate long-term partnership opportunities with your current organization before exploring external options
- Develop specialized skills beyond competitive gameplay that contribute to organizational value
- Research ownership structures and equity arrangements in esports organizations
- Build personal brand equity through consistent performance and community engagement
- Network with organization leadership to understand business objectives and alignment opportunities
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Faker becomes part owner of T1 with new three-year contract Faker's historic T1 contract extension and ownership stake redefines esports player legacy building