TL;DR
- Faker congratulated Deft during an LCK showmatch after Deft’s Worlds 2022 victory
- The interaction showcased remarkable sportsmanship between longtime rivals
- DragonX’s championship run represents one of League’s greatest underdog stories
- The moment highlights how top competitors maintain respect despite high stakes
- This exchange sets a positive example for the entire esports community

DragonX’s triumph at the 2022 League of Legends World Championship stands as perhaps the most remarkable underdog narrative in competitive gaming history. Their journey from underdogs to champions captivated millions worldwide.
The championship series between Deft and Faker delivered an epic confrontation that will be remembered for generations as one of the most thrilling moments in esports. The recent LCK offseason provided these legendary players another opportunity to compete, this time in a more relaxed exhibition setting where Faker demonstrated genuine class towards his longtime rival.
Discover the meaningful words Faker shared with Deft regarding his Worlds victory during their friendly exhibition encounter.
Faker congratulates Deft on winning Worlds
Faker and Deft participated in a special LCK postseason competition featuring the region’s elite players engaging in 1v1 duels on the Howling Abyss arena. This format originated from the discontinued All-Stars global event, though Korean organizers have preserved the tradition locally.
During these exhibition matches, Faker and Deft clashed once more on the iconic single-lane map, with the T1 icon taking the opportunity to acknowledge his opponent’s recent achievement in a lighthearted manner.
Faker: Hyukkyu-yah
Deft: Hm?
Faker: Hyukkyu-yah
Deft: What~?
Faker: Congrats on winning the championship
Deft & Casters: 😂🤣(cr: https://t.co/eyiMtwfneu) pic.twitter.com/680oYsaqn9
— Linda Pro League 🦦 (@iCrystalization) December 16, 2022
“Hyuk-kyu!” Faker exclaimed as their duel commenced, repeating “Hyuk-kyu!” with evident warmth.
“What?” Deft responded, momentarily puzzled by the unexpected address.
“Congratulations on winning the championship!” Faker declared, his face breaking into a sincere smile that conveyed genuine happiness for his competitor’s success.
The LCK broadcast team and Deft himself burst into laughter at this spontaneous display of mutual respect, creating an unforgettable moment of camaraderie.
The immense pressure of the world championship stage had left DragonX celebrating their hard-earned victory while T1 processed the disappointment of coming so close. This light-hearted interaction demonstrated the deep mutual appreciation these athletes maintain despite recent competitive intensity. In post-match discussions, Deft expressed how meaningful he found Faker’s gracious acknowledgment, reinforcing the professional respect defining their relationship.
This exchange serves as a powerful testament that regardless of tournament stakes, elite competitors uphold dignity and goodwill toward their opponents. Such moments elevate esports beyond mere competition, showcasing the human connections that form through shared passion for gaming excellence.
Beyond the immediate warmth of the moment, Faker’s gesture carries significant implications for competitive gaming’s evolution. As veterans of the scene, both players understand their role in shaping community standards and player conduct.
For aspiring professionals observing these interactions, the lesson extends far beyond gameplay mechanics. It demonstrates that sustained success requires not just technical skill but emotional maturity and respect for one’s competitors.
This sportsmanship model provides valuable guidance for navigating both victory and defeat with grace, much like understanding strategic approaches in games like BF6 class selection requires understanding different playstyles. The ability to genuinely celebrate others’ achievements while pursuing your own goals represents the highest form of competitive spirit.
Action Checklist
- Watch the full Faker-Deft interaction video to observe genuine sportsmanship in action
- Analyze how top players handle both victory and defeat in competitive settings
- Practice acknowledging opponents’ achievements in your own gaming sessions
- Study legendary rivalries across esports to understand how respect enhances competition
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Here’s what Faker said to Deft about winning Worlds Faker's heartfelt congratulations to Deft showcase true esports sportsmanship and legendary LCK rivalry
