Faker

Faker — The Eternal Benchmark: The Absolute Core of the Three-Time World Championship Dynasty In 2025, Faker's very existence became the benchmark for League of Legends esports. Amidst doubts about the departure of star top laner Zeus and the team's fourth-seeded title defense, his stability as leader and tactical core was fundamental to T1's unprecedented three-peat at the World Championship. That year, he was no longer just one of the strongest mid laners, but transformed into the team's "central nervous system" and "spiritual anchor," defining a new height in esports career lifespan at the age of 28. Technically, Faker demonstrated extreme role flexibility and tactical sacrifice. When the meta required him to play late-game carries like Azir or Orianna, he remained a world-class damage dealer and teamfight initiator. When the team needed tempo support, his champions like Taliyah and Galio perfectly controlled the overall game. In the Swiss system and knockout stages, the deep-seated tactical counters and psychological pressure he displayed against LPL teams became T1's most intangible advantage. His key improvement lies in his complete integration of individual skill into the team system, with victory always being the sole priority in his decisions. This selfless, top-tier wisdom cannot be captured by data. The most representative chapter of the season was undoubtedly the decisive game against AL in the quarterfinals of the World Championship. When the team was stuck in a stalemate in the mid-game and disagreements arose in the voice communication, Faker, with absolute calm and authority, directed the team to abandon high-risk team fights and instead execute his signature vision control and minion wave manipulation. Ultimately, it was this extraordinary discipline and patience that allowed T1 to capitalize on AL's mistakes, and Faker, through the Electro Dragon Soul, relentlessly whittled them down, securing the victory. This game was a microcosm of his value throughout the year: in the midst of chaos, he was the "battlefield brain" who could see the only path to victory. In 2025, Faker made legend a constant. He not only transformed his undefeated record against LPL teams in international BO5s into a symbol of despairing dominance, but also proved that age and roster changes are not insurmountable obstacles in the face of absolute experience, wisdom, and the will to win. He added the most dazzling jewel to his crown as the "greatest person in history"—a solid three-peat dynasty built around him. His performance set a new benchmark for "greatness."