Game developer Riot Games has announced League of Legends player Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok as the first inductee in the Hall of Legends, a Hall of Fame for League of Legends esports.
In partnership with car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, Riot Games will launch several League of Legends initiatives inside and outside of the game to commemorate Faker’s accomplishments.
As the first Hall of Legends inductee, Faker will be celebrated with a dedicated in-game event. The event will feature an event pass, taking players on a journey through numerous memorable moments of Faker’s career. Fans can also earn and purchase in-game cosmetic items themed after the pro player and his League of Legends journey.
Hall of Legends was first unveiled in January 2024 and aims to celebrate those who have graced the League of Legends scene. The first inductee was decided through an independent voting panel featuring esports industry veterans and experts.
Mercedes-Benz will also contribute to the commemoration by creating an art piece for the player that highlights his greatest achievements. In addition, Faker will be gifted a custom Mercedes-AMG SL 63.
The car manufacturer has been a global partner of all League of Legends esports events since 2020, sponsoring four Worlds Championships consecutively and collaborating on initiatives, such as the 2021 Worlds Championship rings.
Further details about the in-game event and Mercedes-Benz awards will be released in the coming weeks.
Since his debut in 2013, Faker has gone on to become one of the most recognisable names in League of Legends and esports. As a mid-laner for esports organisation T1, he has won 10 LCK titles, two Mid-Season Invitational titles and four Worlds Championship trophies, earning him the moniker ‘The Unkillable Demon King.’
Faker’s rise in stardom also coincided with the growth of League of Legends over the years. The 2023 League of Legends Worlds Championship, won by Faker and T1, was watched by 6.4m peak viewers, which is the most viewed esports event ever (excluding Chinese figures), according to Esports Charts.
John Needham, President of Esports at Riot Games, commented on Faker’s inclusion in the Hall of Legends: “Faker is truly the most iconic and influential figure in League of Legends and esports history.
“His name is synonymous with excellence in League of Legends esports, and he has rightfully earned his place as our very first Hall of Legends inductee. We hope that he continues to make history for many years to come.”
Alongside the launch of Hall of Legends, Riot announced major changes to its League of Legends franchise business model. The publisher aims to gain better financial upside as well as more consistent revenue for teams by shifting its focus from sponsorship revenue sharing to in-game digital purchases.
