The legendary League of Legends star Faker has been named in the TIME100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 list. This inaugural list highlights the best of the best in sport, of which Faker is one.
Lee “Faker” Sang-Hyeok has been the undeniable “GOAT” of League of Legends Esports, if not Esports, for some time now. This inclusion in the inaugural list puts him alongside a number of fellow greats. From football royalty in Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, F1 stars like Lando Norris, to LeBron James.
Faker is not only on the list but also included under the “Icons” banner, which includes LeBron, Messi, Caitlin Clark, and Nikki Hiltz. It’s a big moment for Faker, and an incredible list to be part of.
Faker, a Sporting Icon
“The Unkillable Demon King,” as TIME notes, is a six-time World Champion with his side T1. He was also inducted into the Esports League of Legends Hall of Fame, the first to be inducted. But despite this long career, Faker remains one of the greats and is still actively performing at the top level for T1.
Faker is the only Esports person in the TIME list, and it’s hard to deny that his inclusion isn’t justified. He has always transcended Esports. In his home of South Korea, he was voted as the fifth most influential and famous person in the country.
Faker is 30 now, but having signed a contract with T1 till the end of 2029, his career isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. With another year of major tournaments, from MSI, the Esports World Cup, and Worlds still to play for, Faker could end 2026 with even more trophies to his name.