Faker the only esports player on Forbes 2019 Asia 30 Under 30 list

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok achieved a groundbreaking milestone when Forbes Asia included him in their prestigious 30 Under 30 list for 2019, marking a pivotal moment for competitive gaming’s mainstream acceptance.

What made this recognition particularly significant was Faker’s placement in the “entertainment and sports” category alongside established athletes, musicians, and artists, making him the sole esports representative across all Forbes categories that year.

Forbes officially described him as “nicknamed the deity of computer game ‘League of Legends,’ Faker stands universally acknowledged within gaming circles as the most accomplished LoL competitor in history,” cementing his legendary status.

The publication detailed the then-22-year-old professional gamer’s extraordinary achievements, highlighting his leadership in guiding SK Telecom T1 to three World Championship victories and his receipt of the 2018 David Yan award recognizing him as the “most beloved gamer” worldwide.

Faker’s ascent to gaming royalty began in 2012 when Riot Games launched League of Legends in the Korean market, creating the perfect storm for his talents to flourish.

He captivated the League community by mastering Syndra during her early competitive phase when the champion maintained a sub-30% victory rate, demonstrating his ability to excel with underpowered characters.

His winning consistency became so overwhelming that standard matchmaking systems struggled to find suitable opponents, forcing his transition into ranked competitive play where the challenge matched his skill level.

SK Telecom T1 quickly identified his potential, recruiting him for their secondary squad SK T1 K, where he teamed with legendary three-time World Champion Bae “Bengi” Seong-woong and Cloud9’s formidable Jung “Impact” Eon-yeong, forming a roster that would redefine competitive dominance.

Their inaugural challenge at OLYMPUS Champions Spring 2013 pitted them against CJ Entus Blaze, then considered the LCK’s premier team, yet Faker demolished conventional predictions about the matchup’s outcome.

Faker’s squad maintained their winning momentum throughout the competitive season, ultimately securing the World Championship crown and establishing the foundation for his enduring legacy.

Faker has maintained extraordinary popularity across his seven-year professional journey due to consistently exceptional performances and masterful gameplay execution.

While experiencing occasional competitive fluctuations, no setback has substantially impacted his self-assurance or diminished his fanbase devotion.

Industry analysts estimate Faker’s net worth approximates $4 million, with his most recent SK Telecom T1 agreement reportedly valued around $2.5 million.

Beyond contractual earnings, he has accumulated over $1 million in tournament prizes throughout his competitive gaming career, establishing financial benchmarks for aspiring esports professionals.

Faker’s Forbes inclusion represented more than personal achievement—it signaled competitive gaming’s arrival as a legitimate entertainment and sports discipline.

This recognition created pathways for future esports athletes seeking mainstream validation and established precedents for how gaming excellence receives recognition alongside traditional athletic accomplishments.

The milestone demonstrates how professional gaming careers can achieve both competitive success and financial stability, providing blueprint for aspiring competitors in titles like Battlefield 6 and other emerging esports landscapes.

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