Thirteen years ago, a 17-year-old mid-laner stepped onto the professional stage for the first time.
That player was Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok.
Within minutes of his debut, the League of Legends community realized it was witnessing something different. Faker didn’t just play well—he dominated. His mechanics, decision-making, and confidence immediately set him apart from every other player on stage.
What started as a rookie debut in 2013 would go on to become the most iconic career in esports history.
Today, as fans celebrate the 13th anniversary of Faker’s debut, his impact continues to shape competitive League of Legends and the broader esports industry.
For many Razer fans, his story is also closely tied to the gear he has trusted throughout his career as part of the Team Razer family.
A Fan Gift That Became History
Before Faker ever played on the professional stage, a fan gifted him a Razer DeathAdder.
It wasn’t a sponsorship. It wasn’t planned.
It was simply the mouse he trusted.
Faker used the DeathAdder leading up to his debut, and it remained part of his setup as he entered professional play. At the time, the DeathAdder was already known for its ergonomic design and precision, making it one of the most trusted gaming mice in esports.
What started as a simple fan gesture became part of esports history.
Defining Greatness on the World Stage
As Faker’s career progressed, his achievements began to define an era of competitive League of Legends. Over the years, his record has grown to include:
- 6 World Championships
- 9 International titles
- 10 LCK Championships
- 8 World Finals appearances
- 3 Consecutive Worlds Championships
In any sport, numbers like these represent extraordinary longevity and consistency.
In League of Legends, they have helped to define Faker’s place in esports history.
From Razer DeathAdder to the Next Generation of Performance
As esports evolved into a global competitive scene, the gear supporting professional players evolved alongside it.
In the early days of League of Legends esports, the Razer DeathAdder helped set the standard for competitive gaming mice and was widely trusted by players worldwide.
More than a decade later, modern esports demand even greater precision and responsiveness.
The Razer Viper line was developed to meet those demands — engineered for speed, precision, and ultra-lightweight control demanded by today’s competitive players. Today, the Razer Viper V3 Pro stands as the #1 Esports Mouse according to ProSettings.net, reflecting its adoption across professional play.
Faker used the Razer Viper V3 Pro during his fifth World Championship victory, continuing a long history of competing with Razer gear on the biggest stages. Following that milestone, Razer worked with Faker to introduce the Razer Viper V3 Pro Faker Edition, a special edition mouse inspired by the standards and competitive mindset that have defined his career.
In many ways, it represents a full-circle moment.
From the Razer DeathAdder he used early in his career to the Viper V3 Pro used on the world championship stage, Faker’s journey reflects how both esports and its tools have evolved over time.
More Than a Player
Few players remain competitive for more than a decade.
Fewer remain at the center of the game throughout that time.
Across multiple generations of players, Faker has remained a constant presence in professional League of Legends. His consistency, discipline, and approach to competition have made him one of the most respected figures in esports.
For many players entering the scene today, Faker is one of the first names they encountered when discovering competitive League of Legends.
Looking Ahead
More than a decade after his debut, Faker continues to compete at the highest level of professional League of Legends.
New players will emerge. New champions will be crowned.
But the influence of players like Faker, who helped define the early years of esports, continues to shape the scene today.
Celebrating the Journey
To celebrate Faker’s 13th debut anniversary and his incredible career, explore the defining moments of his journey and the gear that supported one of the most remarkable careers in esports.
Relive the highlights.
Explore the timeline.
Discover Faker’s legacy with Razer.
Congratulations, Faker. Thank you for continuing to inspire players around the world.
