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T1: From Faker’s Reign to Brand Guardianship – Legacy, Partnerships, and Political Stance

General Report May 19, 2025
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  • T1, a cornerstone of professional League of Legends, is deeply intertwined with the legacy of its legendary mid-laner, Lee 'Faker' Sang-hyeok. As of May 19, 2025, this report elucidates T1's historical significance shaped by Faker's unparalleled achievements, including an unprecedented record of five World Championship titles from 2013 to 2024. These events collectively underscore how T1 has successfully navigated the competitive gaming landscape, maintaining its position as a powerhouse while adapting to the evolving dynamics of esports. In recent developments, T1 has partnered with the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) to produce a commemorative medal that honors Faker's illustrious career. Released on May 7, 2025, coinciding with Faker's birthday, this medal signifies not just a gesture of celebration, but also a strategic initiative to elevate T1's brand identity within the esports community. Two versions of the medal—gold and silver—vividly represent Faker's stature and the organization’s dedication to preserving its heritage in a competitive environment.

  • Furthermore, T1's swift and assertive action in response to the political misuse of Faker's image during the 2025 South Korean presidential campaign highlights its commitment to brand integrity. The controversial adoption of Faker’s signature pose by candidate Kim Moon-soo prompted T1 to issue a resolute statement distancing the organization and its star from political affiliations. This response signifies the pressing importance of maintaining political neutrality and protecting intellectual property rights in the rapidly evolving landscape of esports. Together, these developments reveal T1's multifaceted strategy of balancing its competitive success with robust off-stage brand management, illustrating a harmonious integration of legacy, cultural significance, and corporate responsibility.

A Legacy Shaped by Faker: T1’s League of Legends Dominance

  • Faker’s career milestones and global impact

  • Lee Sang-hyeok, known as Faker, is widely recognized as one of the most iconic figures in the world of competitive gaming, especially in League of Legends (LoL). Born on May 7, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, Faker's journey began as a high school student who quickly rose through the ranks of the Korean solo queue, eventually securing a spot on the prestigious SK Telecom T1 (later renamed T1). His professional debut on April 6, 2013, was marked by a spectacular performance that announced his arrival on the global esports stage. Faker clinched an unprecedented five World Championship titles in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024, underpinning his dominance in the competitive landscape. His contributions to T1 and the esports arena have earned him the moniker 'Unkillable Demon King,' a tribute to his incredible skill and resilience in matches. Over his 11-year career, Faker not only established a prolific trophy cabinet, including 10 domestic titles from the League of Legends Championship Korea (LCK), but he also transformed the mid-lane role, inspiring new players internationally to strive for excellence.

  • Beyond tournaments, Faker's impact resonates through his unwavering loyalty to T1, the organization he has represented throughout his career, defying the trend of player mobility in esports. Notably, in February 2020, he made headlines by announcing his role as part-owner of T1 Entertainment & Sports, reflecting his long-term commitment to the organization and the sport. As of 2025, Faker continues to influence both the game and its community, serving not only as a player but also as a brand ambassador shaping the future of esports.

  • T1’s World Championship victories and records

  • T1's legacy in League of Legends is particularly distinguished by its exceptional World Championship feats, driven largely by Faker's performances. The organization secured its first World Championship title in 2013, which was followed by consecutive victories in 2015 and 2016. After a notable gap, T1 clinched its fourth title in 2023, marking a spectacular return to form. Faker's leadership and skill were pivotal in these triumphs. His record of five World Championships remains unrivaled, solidifying T1's reputation as one of the most storied franchises in esports history. The organizational commitment to excellence is mirrored in its consistent performance within the LCK, where T1 has amassed a record ten domestic titles from its inception to 2025. This combination of international success and regional dominance embodies T1's enduring legacy in competitive gaming.

  • Influence on competitive gaming culture

  • Faker's influence extends beyond his individual achievements, significantly shaping the culture of competitive gaming. As a pioneer in the esports landscape, he redefined the standard for professional players, establishing expectations regarding skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. His popularity has helped elevate the status of esports within South Korea and globally, inspiring a new generation of gamers to pursue careers in competitive gaming. Strategies and techniques developed by Faker have become analytical benchmarks within coaching and player training modules. His ability to adapt to the evolving meta has not only changed how mid-laners are perceived but has also inspired strategic depth in gameplay approaches across all roles. In recognizing Faker’s contributions to gaming culture, Riot Games inaugurated him as the first inductee into the League of Legends Hall of Legends in 2024, celebrating his impact both within the community and the wider sphere of entertainment.

Commemorative Partnerships: T1 and KOMSCO Medal Collaboration

  • Concept and design of the commemorative medal

  • The commemorative medal created by T1 in collaboration with the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) was developed to honor the legendary career of Lee 'Faker' Sang-hyeok, widely recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of esports, particularly in League of Legends. This medal, officially released on May 7, 2025, coincides with Faker's birthday. It is designed as a unique collectible, featuring intricate details that reflect Faker's prominence in competitive gaming. Two versions of the Faker medal were produced: a gold medal and a silver medal. The gold medal, limited to 507 pieces—signifying Faker's birthday date—weighs 15.55 grams and measures 32 mm in diameter. In contrast, the silver version is offered with a much larger quantity of 2,000 pieces, weighing less and featuring a diameter of 40mm. The gold medal showcases a portrait of Faker seated on a throne, symbolizing his status and achievements, while the reverse side displays five stars representing his victories in world championships.

  • Significance for Faker and T1’s brand heritage

  • The creation of the commemorative medal not only celebrates Faker's accomplishments but also solidifies T1's brand heritage within the esports landscape. Faker's career milestones, including an unprecedented tenure in the League of Legends competitive scene and multiple championship titles, have made him synonymous with T1 itself. By issuing this medal, T1 reinforces its commitment to honoring its heritage and recognizes the cultural impact Faker has had on the organization and the esports community at large. Moreover, the medal serves as a tangible tribute to the moments that have defined esports history, encapsulating both individual achievement and the collective legacy of T1. It reflects the organization's strategic approach to blending recognition of its players with broader brand development initiatives, thereby fostering deeper connections with fans.

  • Role of corporate collaborations in esports

  • The partnership between T1 and KOMSCO illustrates the growing significance of corporate collaborations in the esports industry. Such partnerships not only allow organizations to capitalize on their brand identities but also enhance fan engagement through unique collectible items. The collaboration on the commemorative medal exemplifies how esports entities can successfully align with established industries to create products that resonate with their audience while simultaneously elevating their brands. In this instance, T1's relationship with KOMSCO emphasizes the potential for innovative merchandising strategies within esports. By producing high-quality collectible items like the Faker medal, T1 is tapping into the increasing market for esports memorabilia, thereby appealing to both hardcore fans and collectors. This collaboration showcases an evolving business model in esports that values and leverages brand heritage while ensuring financial sustainability.

Safeguarding the Brand: T1’s Response to Political Image Misuse

  • Incident involving presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo

  • In early May 2025, a controversy emerged surrounding South Korean presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo, who appropriated the signature pose of T1’s star player, Lee 'Faker' Sang-hyeok, for his campaign materials. Kim's use of the pose, commonly known as the 'shush' pose, sparked significant backlash from fans and observers within the esports community. Initially, Kim's campaign shared an image that intended to leverage Faker's massive global appeal in a bid to connect with younger voters, especially those familiar with League of Legends, a game in which T1 and Faker have achieved remarkable dominance.

  • Official T1 statement and demand for image removal

  • Following the uproar, T1 swiftly issued a strong public statement on May 7, 2025, categorically distancing Faker from any political affiliations. The organization emphasized that Faker does not endorse any political party or campaign, stating, 'Faker is not affiliated with any political stance, party, or campaign.' This statement was disseminated via social media, making it clear to the public that the use of Faker's image was unauthorized and not representative of his views or those of T1. Additionally, the organization announced plans to pursue the removal of the image from Kim's campaign materials to prevent any potential misrepresentation or misunderstanding.

  • Broader implications for esports organizations and neutrality

  • The incident involving Kim Moon-soo highlights the complex relationship between celebrities, especially in the realm of esports, and political messaging. As the landscape of political campaigning increasingly intertwines with pop culture, organizations like T1 face the pressing challenge of protecting their brand integrity while upholding the neutrality of their athletes. This event has reignited discussions within the esports community about the importance of intellectual property rights and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of a player's image. The proactive approach taken by T1 demonstrates a commitment to maintaining not only the reputational safety of their athletes but also the broader cultural values within esports. As T1 continues to advocate for its players' brand protection, similar organizations may need to develop robust policies to navigate the nuanced intersection of esports and politics.

Wrap Up

  • As of May 2025, T1 represents an emblem of excellence in esports, exemplified not only through their competitive achievements but also through proactive brand stewardship. Faker's enduring presence and legacy not only shine a spotlight on T1's history but also elevate its prospects in the contemporary esports environment. The strategic partnership with KOMSCO and the issuance of the commemorative medal further underscore T1’s cultural relevance and commitment to honoring its past while looking to the future. Moreover, T1's decisive and public denouncement of the unauthorized political use of Faker's likeness illustrates the organization's dedication to maintaining the neutrality and integrity of its athletes. Such measures are critical in fostering a responsible and respected esports culture in which brands and individual identities are protected.

  • Looking ahead, T1 is well poised to explore new corporate collaborations that not only generate additional revenue streams but also enhance fan engagement through innovative products and initiatives tailored to a diverse audience. The positive reception of the commemorative medal may lead to a more extensive line of collectible memorabilia, further intertwining T1's identity with that of its fans. Additionally, as the dialogue around intellectual property rights and athlete neutrality in the competitive landscape continues to evolve, T1's actions may set a benchmark for best practices within the industry. In this rapidly changing realm, T1's proactive strategies could redefine brand stewardship, ensuring that it remains a venerated leader in the esports world for years to come.

Glossary

  • Faker: Lee 'Faker' Sang-hyeok is a South Korean professional esports player, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in League of Legends history. As of May 19, 2025, he has achieved unprecedented fame, winning five World Championships and significantly impacting competitive gaming culture.
  • KOMSCO: The Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) is a government-owned enterprise in South Korea responsible for producing coins, medals, and other security-related printing. As of May 2025, KOMSCO has collaborated with T1 to create a commemorative medal honoring Faker's contributions to esports.
  • Commemorative Medal: A commemorative medal is a collectible item produced to honor significant achievements or individuals. The recently released medals by T1 and KOMSCO, celebrating Faker's career, were launched on May 7, 2025, coinciding with Faker's birthday.
  • LCK: League of Legends Championship Korea (LCK) is the premier professional League of Legends league in South Korea. T1 has achieved notable success within the LCK, winning 10 domestic titles by 2025, reflecting its competitiveness in both regional and international spheres.
  • Political Neutrality: Political neutrality refers to the stance of remaining impartial and uninvolved in political matters. T1's recent actions to distance itself from political messages involving Faker illustrate the importance of maintaining brand integrity and neutrality within the esports community.
  • Competitive Gaming: Competitive gaming, or esports, involves organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players and teams. T1's legacy and achievements, notably through Faker, have played a significant role in propelling esports into mainstream recognition and cultural relevance.
  • Brand Protection: Brand protection entails maintaining and safeguarding a brand's image and reputation. T1's quick response to the political misuse of Faker's likeness exemplifies the necessity for esports organizations to actively manage and protect their brand identity.
  • World Championship: The World Championship is the pinnacle tournament in League of Legends, where teams compete for the title of world champion. T1's five victories, between 2013 and 2024, underscore the organization's dominance and historical significance within the competitive gaming sphere.
  • Intellectual Property Rights: Intellectual property rights are legal rights that protect creations of the mind, including trademarks and copyrights. The incident involving Faker's image highlights the critical need for esports organizations to uphold these rights to safeguard their players and brand.

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