The undisputed icon of League of Legends esports, Lee Sang-hyeok, known globally as 'Faker', has officially inked a four-year extension with T1. This deal ensures that Lee Sang-hyeok will continue to compete under the T1 banner until 2029.

The news broke on the 27th during a fan meet-and-greet immediately following T1's home ground match against Nongshim RedForce at the Incheon Inspire Arena. T1 later confirmed the extension via their official social media channels. Having debuted with SK Telecom T1 in 2013, Lee Sang-hyeok has remained a true 'one-club man' throughout a storied career. Given that Lee Sang-hyeok was born in 1996 and is considered one of the veterans in the scene, many are calling this deal a 'lifetime contract' with T1, as it keeps Lee Sang-hyeok with the team until the age of 33.

While it varies by discipline, the peak years for an esports pro are typically seen as the late teens to early twenties. Lee Sang-hyeok, however, has defied the odds, maintaining a dominant presence at the pinnacle of the world stage for over a decade. The accolades speak for themselves: World Championship (Worlds) titles in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024, alongside a silver medal at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games and a gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

T1 stated via their official social media, "Faker has become an icon not just for League of Legends, but for esports as a whole. We look forward to the legendary journey that lies ahead." While specific contract terms remain under wraps, it is worth noting that in previous extensions, Lee Sang-hyeok was granted stock options, effectively becoming a 'part-owner' of the organization.