I. Introduction
Faker, also known as Lee Sang-hyeok, is a South Korean professional League of Legends player widely regarded as the greatest mid laner in the history of the game. Throughout his career, Faker has faced numerous rivals who have challenged his dominance in the Mid-Lane position. In this article, we will explore the seven most significant adversaries that have tested Faker’s skills and pushed him to reach new heights.
II.
Lee "Frozen" Ho-jong – Sk Telecom T1
A. Background
Lee Ho-jong, better known as Frozen, was a mid laner for the renowned Korean esports organization, SK Telecom T1. He was Faker’s teammate during their initial years in the LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea) and is considered one of the players who paved the way for Faker’s professional success.
B. Rivalry
Frozen and Faker’s rivalry began when they were both rising stars within SK Telecom T1. Their competitive nature drove them to constantly improve and push each other, eventually leading to some legendary matches between the two.
III.
Bae "Bang" Jun-sung – Samsung Galaxy
A. Background
Bang, another Korean mid laner, made his mark as a formidable opponent for Faker when he was playing for Samsung Galaxy. He was known for his aggressive playstyle and mechanical skill, making him a challenging adversary for Faker.
B. Rivalry
The rivalry between Faker and Bang can be traced back to their clashes in the 2013 LCK Summer Split. Their matches were often intense and closely contested, with both players showcasing their extraordinary skill sets and determination to outperform each other.
IV.
Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu – KT Rolster
A. Background
Deft is a former mid laner for KT Rolster and was another notable opponent for Faker. He was known for his versatility and ability to adapt to various champion pools, making him a tough competitor for any player, including Faker.
B. Rivalry
Faker and Deft’s rivalry peaked during the 2016 LCK Summer Split when both teams, T1 and KT Rolster, were in contention for the top spot. Their matches were often deciding factors in the race for first place, with each player determined to secure a win for their team.
V. Gao “Tian” Dan – Edward Gaming
A. Background
Tian is a Chinese mid laner who gained recognition as a formidable opponent for Faker when he was playing for Edward Gaming. He was known for his innovative plays and strategic thinking, making him a unique challenge for Faker.
B. Rivalry
The rivalry between Faker and Tian reached its height during the 2018 Mid-Season Invitational, where their teams faced each other in the Finals. The matches were closely contested, with both players showcasing their exceptional skill sets and determination to claim victory for their teams.
VI.
Summary
Faker’s journey to becoming the greatest mid laner in League of Legends history was not an easy one. His battles against these seven rivals played a significant role in shaping his career and pushing him to continually improve. Their intense competition has left a lasting impact on the esports community, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.