Faker addresses accusations of excelling more with classic League of Legends champions.

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok once again showcased why he’s considered one of the greatest in League of Legends, leading T1 to victory with a standout performance on Anivia against BNK FEARX.

His impressive KDA of 10/3/8 reignited discussions among fans about his legendary status. Whenever Faker selects one of his classic champions, many highlight his extensive experience and refined mechanics as evidence of his unparalleled mastery. However, the iconic T1 mid laner doesn’t subscribe to that narrative.

“Many fans seem to feel that way, especially regarding older champions. Personally, I don’t believe there’s a difference in mastery between older and newer champions, and I plan to deliver strong performances with new champions in the future,” he stated in an interview.

This response reflects the confidence that has characterized Faker’s career. While his memorable plays on legacy champions like Anivia, Ryze, Azir, and Orianna often evoke nostalgia among long-time League fans, Faker emphasizes that he sees no significant gap between his understanding of classic champions and his performance with newer ones.

With a win rate exceeding 65 percent on several champions after playing 26 or more matches, he continues to impress at the highest level. However, there are newer picks where his performance has been less stellar, such as Aurora, where he holds a 30 percent win rate across 10 games.

This adaptability has been crucial to his sustained success in competitive play. Throughout various League eras, shifting metas, and numerous roster changes, Faker has consistently updated his champion pool to remain one of the top mid laners globally.

History has shown that doubting Faker’s ability to master any champion the meta demands is often a losing proposition.

T1 is set to face Hanwha Life Esports in the Road to MSI 2026, with both teams vying for a spot in the grand finals as they aim to gain momentum ahead of the international tournament in South Korea.