How Much Does Faker Make (2026)

Faker is the most successful player in League of Legends history. With multiple World Championship titles and a career spanning over a decade, he's built a fortune from esports. Faker's income comes from tournament winnings, salary, sponsorships, streaming, and team ownership.

The exact numbers aren't fully public, but available data from contracts and industry reports paint a clear picture of his earnings. In this article, we'll explore how much Faker makes and where his money comes from.

Who is Faker

Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok is a South Korean professional League of Legends player who competes for T1. He's widely recognized as the greatest player in the game's history. Faker plays in the mid lane, a role that demands high mechanical skill and decision-making. His nickname, "The Unkillable Demon King," reflects his dominance.

This reputation comes from his ability to outplay opponents in crucial moments and his remarkable consistency across more than a decade of professional competition. His trophy case includes six World Championship titles, the most prestigious achievement in League of Legends esports.

What Are Faker's Sources of Income?

Faker generates income through multiple channels that extend beyond tournament prize money. His revenue streams have diversified as his career has progressed, and esports has grown into a mainstream industry.

1. Salary from T1

2. Tournament Winnings

3. Sponsorship

4. Streaming

5. Ownership Stake in T1

1. Salary From T1

Faker's salary from T1 is his largest single source of income. The exact amount remains undisclosed due to confidentiality agreements, but multiple industry reports provide estimates based on contract leaks and insider information.

In 2024, Faker signed a contract extension with T1, reportedly worth around $7 million to $ 8 million per year. This places him among the highest-paid League of Legends players globally. The contract also included performance bonuses tied to tournament results and team achievements.

Tournament Winnings

Faker has earned over $2.1 million in official tournament prize money throughout his career. This figure comes from tracked competitive events and represents only the publicly documented winnings.

His six World Championship victories account for the majority of his tournament earnings. Each World Championship win has paid out differently based on the prize pool for that year. The 2025 championships offered larger payouts than in previous years, as Riot Games increased the total prize pools.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship deals represent one of Faker's largest income sources outside his T1 salary. He has partnered with major brands such as Nike, Red Bull, Razer, and various tech and gaming hardware companies.

Exact figures aren't public, but industry estimates suggest top League of Legends players earn hundreds of thousands to several million dollars annually from sponsorships. Faker's deals likely sit at the higher end given his global reach and decade-long dominance. This income remains stable regardless of his tournament performance.

Streaming

Faker streams on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, though less frequently than full-time content creators. When he does go live, he regularly pulls in tens of thousands of viewers who want to watch the greatest player in action. Streaming revenue comes from multiple sources, including subscriptions, donations, and ad revenue. With Faker's viewer numbers, even occasional streams generate substantial income. A single stream can earn thousands of dollars depending on length and viewer engagement.

Ownership Stake in T1

Faker holds an equity stake in T1, making him a part-owner of the organization. The exact percentage hasn't been disclosed, but this ownership gives him a share in T1's overall profits beyond his playing salary. As the organization grows through sponsorships, merchandise sales, and success across multiple esports titles, the value of his stake increases. If T1 eventually sells or goes public, Faker's equity could result in a substantial payout. This ownership stake could become his most valuable asset after retirement, providing long-term financial security.

Final words

Faker's wealth comes from multiple income streams that go far beyond tournament winnings. His T1 salary reportedly reaches $7-8 million annually, while sponsorships with Nike, Red Bull, and tech brands add millions more. Streaming revenue and his ownership stake in T1 further diversify his earnings. The exact total of Faker's net worth remains undisclosed, but conservative estimates place it in the tens of millions of dollars.

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