Faker Earns Place on TIME's List of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports

League of Legends superstar Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok has been named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2026, further cementing his status as one of the most impactful figures in modern esports.

The South Korean icon appears alongside some of the biggest names in global sports, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Erling Haaland, Lando Norris, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Oleksandr Usyk, Stephen Curry, and several other world-renowned athletes. Popular content creator iShowSpeed was also included in the publication's "Innovators" category for the second year in a row.

A Legacy Unlike Any Other

For more than a decade, Faker has remained the defining figure of competitive League of Legends.

As the centerpiece of T1, he has captured a record six World Championship titles, including three consecutive championships in recent years. No other player in the history of the game has achieved a comparable level of success on the international stage.

His longevity, consistency, and ability to remain competitive across multiple eras have helped transform him from an elite player into a global esports icon.

The Face of an Entire Industry

Faker's influence extends well beyond tournament victories.

Often referred to as the greatest esports player of all time, he has become synonymous with professionalism, discipline, and excellence in competitive gaming. His career has inspired an entire generation of players while helping League of Legends grow into one of the world's most watched esports.

Born and raised in Seoul, Faker developed a passion for puzzles and strategy games before eventually dedicating himself to competitive gaming. What began as a hobby ultimately evolved into one of the most celebrated careers in esports history.

His impact was further recognized when he became the first player ever inducted into the League of Legends Hall of Legends, a distinction created to honor the game's most influential figures.

Recognition Beyond Esports

Faker's inclusion on TIME's list reflects the continued rise of esports within mainstream sports culture.

The global esports industry has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar market, with industry forecasts projecting significant growth over the coming years. As one of the most recognizable personalities in competitive gaming, Faker has played a major role in that expansion.

Reports also indicate that his success outside the server has been just as impressive, with the player accumulating considerable wealth throughout his career and becoming the owner of a nine-story building in Seoul, popularly nicknamed "Faker Tower."

A Milestone for Competitive Gaming

Being recognized alongside world champions, Olympic medalists, and legendary athletes marks another significant moment for esports.

Faker's place on TIME's list serves as a powerful reminder of how far competitive gaming has come and highlights the growing influence of esports on the global sporting landscape.