Faker Rejects 24.5 Billion KRW Annual Salary Offer from China: "I Want to Learn and Grow More"

This Year's World Championship Win & Asian Games Gold Medal
Yoo Jae-suk: "Faker Is the True Young and Rich"
"Winning Made Me Happy Because It's What Fans Wanted"

Pro gamer Faker (real name Lee Sang-hyeok) revealed the reason he declined a 24.5 billion KRW annual salary offer was "because I wanted to grow."

Pro gamer Faker (real name Lee Sang-hyeok) appearing on 'You Quiz on the Block.'
[Photo by tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' broadcast screen capture]

On the 20th, Faker appeared on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block (YouQuiz)' for the first time in three years and had an honest conversation with hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho.

On that day, having achieved career highs such as the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games gold medal and the 2023 World Championship (Worlds) victory, Faker shared, "It was a continuous cycle of competing and preparing. Not much has changed since I appeared in 2020," updating on his recent status.

Regarding his feelings on winning Worlds, he said, "I just felt proud. I prepared without focusing too much on the result, approaching it with the mindset of doing my best rather than just aiming to win the trophy," and expressed special love for his fans by adding, "Winning is what the fans want, so I was happy."

With this Worlds victory, Faker lifted the trophy for the first time in seven years since his 2016 win. He has claimed the top spot four times at Worlds in ▲2013 ▲2015 ▲2016 ▲2023, holding the titles of the most wins in history, the youngest, and the oldest winning mid laner.

The 2023 Worlds, in which Faker participated, was an international event with a cumulative viewership of 400 million and 100 million concurrent viewers. Regarding the prize money, Worlds announced that in addition to the previous tournament's prize of 1 billion KRW, they would produce a 'limited edition skin' to generate additional revenue.

Reason for Declining 24.5 Billion KRW Salary Offer: "Because I Wanted to Learn and Grow"

Pro gamer Faker (real name Lee Sang-hyeok) appearing on 'You Quiz on the Block.'
[Photo by tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' broadcast screen capture]

On the day, Yoo Jae-suk asked, "You received a 24.5 billion KRW salary offer from China, but did you decline it to stay with your team?" Faker humbly replied, "I consider various conditions, but my goal focuses more on learning and growing rather than money or fame. The team also treats me well."

He added, "My family respects my choice. There might be some differences from the amount that was reported."

The salary offer from China to Faker was publicly disclosed by Joe Marsh, T1 CEO, last April. He revealed on an internet broadcast that after Faker became a free agent, a Chinese LPL team offered a contract worth 20 million USD (approximately 24.5 billion KRW at the time). Joe Marsh explained the reason they could renew the contract with Faker by saying, "Faker has already accumulated great wealth. What matters to him is not money but winning."

Regarding rumors that his house is a palace, Faker said, "It's not a palace, just a house. The house is a bit big. My father is an architect and designed it himself. I think playing hide-and-seek would be possible," surprising everyone by revealing that his house includes a movie theater, sauna, screen golf range, and billiard table.

Yoo Jae-suk then joked, "Young and rich, you won't find anyone else like this. Faker is young and rich," bringing laughter.

The Most Important Quality for a Pro Gamer is 'Humility'

Pro gamer Faker (real name Lee Sang-hyeok) appearing on 'You Quiz on the Block.'
[Photo by tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' broadcast screen capture]

Faker also recalled when he was injured, saying, "For about three months, my pinky finger lost sensation after playing games. Through my injury, I was able to see areas for improvement in our team. I didn't realize it until I got hurt, but after the pain, I thought I needed to manage it," and mentioned that he mainly does wrist stretching exercises.

He cited 'humility' as the most important quality for a pro gamer. He explained, "I feel humility is the most important because with a humble attitude, you can listen to what someone is saying without filtering, which allows you to learn more."

He continued, "I think being a pro gamer is not an easy job. Even among those who become pro gamers, many struggle. It's a profession where you compete at the very top. That's the hardest part," and advised, "Since pro gamers cannot balance it with schooling, I hope students carefully consider their own paths before choosing."

Meanwhile, born in 1996, Faker is 27 years old this year. As of 2023, he holds the world’s number one cumulative prize money record for LoL esports pro gamers and enjoys the greatest popularity in the history of global esports.