God is not dead: Faker

Riot·Jan 21, 2015·0 votes·38,328 views

With a new season comes new stars and new stories. Here is one of the players you should look out for in 2015! Team: SK Telecom T1 Region: Champions Korea Position: Mid In the entire history of League of Legends, no player has dominated a single position as much as Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok. Making his debut in Champions Spring 2013 with SK Telecom T1 #2, Faker immediately earned the adoration of fans with his incredible mechanical ability and unparalleled influence from the mid lane. It would only be two seasons of Champions before Faker reached the pantheon of Korean League of Legends -- a first place trophy and a ticket to the World Championship. Two months later, Faker had completely cleared up any doubts about his status as the world’s best, and took home a Worlds trophy to boot. A flawless run in Champions Winter 2013-14 capped off the most dominant esports dynasty seen to date in League of Legends. Yet, that tournament would be the last time Faker would see first place. SKT T1 K finally met their Kryptonite in Samsung Ozone and their new mid laner Heo “PawN” Won-seok. Against Ozone, Faker was forced to play with uncharacteristic recklessness in lane to make up for his team’s deficiencies. Ozone’s jungler Choi “DanDy” In-kyu punished Faker’s aggression, and SKT T1 found themselves repeatedly caught in the Ozone snowball. This pattern continued against NaJin White Shield in SKT T1 K’s last-chance match to make it to Worlds, and Faker finished Season 4 in disappointment. When the changes to Korea’s competitive circuit were announced, Faker found himself with a new team, and new prospects for 2015. Additionally, many of his mid lane rivals such as Bae “Dade” Eo-jin, Song “Rookie” Eui-jin and PawN moved to compete in China. The road was paved for Faker’s return, and the first test of his ability would be the OGN preseason games. Although Faker has been sharing the mid lane with his teammate Lee “Easyhoon” Ji-hoon in the preseason, he has already shown a return to his championship form, setting up plays and winning his lane with relative ease. Furthermore, his partner in the jungle Bae “Bengi” Seong-ung has improved greatly from last year, and is back to being one of Korea’s top junglers. This has freed up a lot of pressure on Faker, allowing him to play with greater comfort. As we move into 2015, there are still a few caveats to consider before putting all our eggs in Faker’s basket. Firstly, he is still the centerpiece of SKT T1, meaning he will not be escaping the pressure of junglers any time soon. Should Faker’s team fail to perform, he will be faced with the same situation he was in for much of 2014. Additionally, his opponents are catching up to him in various aspects of the game, as made evident by his solo death to Samsung’s Park “BlisS” Jong-won’s Fizz in the preseason. At any rate, Faker is still the best League of Legends player in the world. This fact alone means that SKT T1 will be demanding a certain amount of attention in 2015 -- and given their stellar preseason performance, we may be witnessing the rebirth of the SKT T1 dynasty. The season has still yet to begin, and a lot could change between now and Worlds. For now, Faker should be one of your players to watch. Check out the full list of players to watch in 2015 right here.

32 Comments

SokdikJan 21, 20157 votes

I know you have a lot of young viewers/customers who could care less about a title like this, but i would like to remind you that you ALSO have a number of Christian viewers/customers who very well may be offended by it, and never bother coming back to read another article solely because of a title like this. Would you have posted an article with a title offending gays, or blacks, or Muslims, or any other cultural/political group? A little respect for your ENTIRE audience might be a good idea.

JohahJan 21, 20152 votes

Was hoping I wasn't the only one.

EU DaleJan 21, 20153 votes

You know that most of the league community thinks faker is the 'God' of mid lane right?

SsatanikoJan 21, 20155 votes

Ha, oh ye of such thin skin, god loves you anyway. If everything in our culture and indeed everything in League were to walk on the eggshells you insist on there wouldn't be a fat beer-swilling rabble-rouser named Gragas. There wouldn't be evil rats (Twitch) and demonic jesters (Shaco) and demonic sisters (Morgana) and surely League wouldn't be filled to the brim with cold-blooded killers, brawlers, assassins (oh, wait you gusy usually condone violence, I forgot). Point being, you're free to live in your own insular little world, but few if anyone else wants to suffer the same fate. Perhaps you're better suited for say...Candy Crush? [Satan has spoken]

Smart KittyJan 21, 20152 votes

I agree. It personally doesn't bother me that much, but I couldn't help but think how it might offend the religious readers.

NageehMay 13, 20152 votes

Thank you for understanding his message, unlike the rest of the derps on top here ^ Once again he never claimed that he's offended, but as "AN LCS ARTICLE READER". He thinks its a poor marketing suggestion, that might offend other people, and guess what? He's right on YouTube there are tons of people that are upset about this why? Because League and YouTube is an international service, people from around the world with different beliefs will get offended, I am religious, but I'm not american, I accept it as a term, but I am not offended. Do I agree with it? No. Opinions are subjective, and all he was saying it will offend people, you can't please everyone, yet people here commenting replies as if they never read his post, making themselves look like ignorant fools! Please learn to read fully before bashing on him people, anyways well said Smart Kitty. It's truly disappointing with people that speak English fluently and it's their native tongue rush to conclusions so fast without having patience or understanding the message. Host1le is an example of an ignorant fool! God of War isn't no where near the level of internationalism league is nor it is a sport, nor he was offended, he simply said it was a bad marketing scheme and honestly they should look into it to be more "professional" like he said, league isn't just a game anymore, it's a sport and Riot should thank this young man tbh, he brought them amazing feedback that should help with their views/sales et cetera. You'd be surprised how many people have gotten offended and raged quit. Like I said I might be religious, but I am not offended, once again I accept it as a term, but I do not agree with the method, but it is what it is and people can do whatever the fk they want. Opinions are subjective but I am entitled to mine, and if I offended you, then good, cause you seem to careless if you offended other people (Talking to the sht heads that don't know how to understand messages and reply with full ignorance. and if this message offended a riot employee then you should understand how it feels to offend other people.) Everyone act according to their sense of justice. So let them vent, you've got nothing to lose, just like you people say "If it bothers you that much don't read it". Same applies to you, if their venting bothers you, don't read it or comment, simple. Unless you got something nice to say or a valid argument rather than cussing others out, and bashing them. Bullying is no different. -.- Have a nice day everyone.

Cripple OracleJan 21, 201511 votes

Umm, I really don't think they meant to offend anyone. And if they did, I think you need to take a break or chill a little. We all know what they mean when they say Faker is "God", so I don't see a reason that we should be defensive. Just saying.

A Wise FoolJan 22, 20154 votes

Don't be such a child. If you have a problem with their title don't read it

JFKneededWardsJan 22, 20155 votes

if you are so weak, that words offend you, the internet is not the place for you.

host1LeJan 22, 20151 votes

Holy shitballs, you took that way too seriously. Do you not let your kids learn about ancient Greece because they refer to God's differently?

Or how about the game God of war?

If you're this protective over kids or whiney Bitch face religious fanatics, then perhaps you shouldn't play a game that revolves around killing people over and over. Just saying.

host1LeJan 22, 20151 votes

Holy shitballs, you took that way too seriously. Do you not let your kids learn about ancient Greece because they refer to God's differently?

Or how about the game God of war?

If you're this protective over kids or whiney Bitch face religious fanatics, then perhaps you shouldn't play a game that revolves around killing people over and over. Just saying. Amumu

CryovixJan 21, 20154 votes

he may look to reclaim his throne, but Coco and CJ Entus already slapped the so called "god" around

ZachTeaHawaiiJan 21, 20154 votes

[deleted]

Gaxx DJan 22, 20153 votes

Yeah, so it's fine when Ggoong is being camped early, which gives Faker's huge advantage in an already winning matchup, and then Faker is being praised, but if if happens other way around, and Faker is on the receiving end of camping... Seriously, you fanboys are pathetic. Faker's got his ass handed to him many times already WITHOUT being camped, and not only by Pawn.

CryovixJan 23, 20151 votes

im sorry, i guess ambition isnt part of cj entus then, read the dam comment stupid people, it says "coco and CJ entus" slapped him around, which truthfully they did. so stop dick riding the crap out of faker already

ZeroAnarchyJan 21, 20152 votes

lol did you actually watch the game or did you just looked at the KDA?

MrMonotoneJan 21, 20152 votes

If by slapped you mean camped and roamed on constantly then yes. Even in spite of all this he still was able to be relevant in the game.

Knightz TemplarJan 21, 20153 votes

It wasn't Dandy's pressure that got the best of Faker in the NLB tournament to get to worlds, PawN solo killed faker repeatedly... The most solo kill was PawN's insane outplay when Faker was playing Zilean vs PawN's Yasuo. PawN had gone extremely aggressive and Faker was trying to kite backwards with bombs and it gets to the point where they both have extremely low HP, Faker tries an ignite flash bomb combo, but the moment he flashes towards PawN who was running away, PawN flashes into faker and Q's him, knowing the bomb wouldn't kill him. PawN lives with only a few hit points.

I already regard PawN as, if not the best mid, at least the most perfect mid laner. In games where it counts, PawN doesn't die in lane. He doesn't even die to ganks. If PawN is able to win worlds again, he will be the best mid laner ever.

VixanysJan 22, 20152 votes

{quoted}

It wasn't Dandy's pressure that got the best of Faker...

All other information invalid. When you openly disregard the actions of another player on the team for the single play of another you invalidate everything you say. This is a team game, which is why often Faker gets praised for 1v9-ing because his team (in term of skills) seems to be lacking.

PawN was only able to play aggressive because of the pressure Dandy was able to exert on the jungle and the vision that was provided. You also openly ignore the fact that 1v1s that PawN did were the results of leads he had pulled in games. Also the result of counter-ganks, bad pick/ban, and overall sub-par play from Faker. Everyone has a bad game. Which is no excuse or exercise to call either player bad or good.

PawN also, has a number of games that he gets pushed out of middle, out farmed, or completely ignored. To call him the Perfect Mid, is ignorant (though i do not agree Faker is a God Mid either) of the flow of the game and overall spectrum of competitive League. There is no such thing as a perfect player. A player can only practice, project and in the end attempt to assist their team overcome the opponent.

I will say this. The number of plays PawN has had in competitive vs the number that Faker has had is heavily in Faker's corner. That is the only reason the overall consensus on Faker is God Middle/Best Player in the world.

AriCeiJan 23, 20151 votes

Hmm, I've never seen PawN really lose a lane... All he was saying, is PawN is incredibly consistent, almost never succumbs to ganks, and lets his opponents play over-aggressive so he doesn't have to. His opponents end themselves. I've seen Faker make misplays, feed, get out farmed etc. on multiple very different occasions- not just a bad game here or there. This all regardless of any support from team. He is good, but overrated. PawN is better.

VixanysJan 23, 20151 votes

The only way PawN was able to stay safe is because the support of his team. Dandy's pressure on the jungle and overall team vision allows PawN to stay safe. Because of Dandy's pressure this prevents the opposing jungle from affecting that lane. This lack of presence from a jungle causes players that have to carry their team hard, to over-play aggression.

I am not denying that PawN is a consistent player. He is extremely consistent but the reasons for that consistency are not solely PawN's playing. He had the support of his team that had such crisp gameplay and more threats than the average team (Jungle, ADC in addition to him). Also, that team was in essence controlled almost entirely by Overlord Mata (shot-caller and in-game strategist).

During Season 4, Piglet/Poohmandu/Bengi were subpar. Which lead to, more than once, casters saying Faker was the only redeeming player on the team. This likely being contributed to complacency from winning Worlds.

I also, stated that as this is a team game. Solo Laners successes are largely based on the way jungle and other lanes are handled. If we were to take PawN and Faker. Into a 1v1 custom game (Molten Chamber where riot?). Faker, would likely win. Saying that PawN or Faker are a better player is unreliable when working with competitive play. Both of them have different strengthens and provide different roles to their teams.

PawN is the stay back and counter-play style. That because of his mechanics can counter a ton of most over-aggressive play styles. Added to SSW team as a whole it was a huge asset.

Faker is an assassin, regardless of his champion, he wants to get in there and kill something. This because of his mechanics makes for more play making, but also can cause issues when/if his team fails to handle their roles.

This entire conversation is moot because the only way we will see more PawN v Faker (which is soo much fun to watch) is if Edward Gaming and SK Telecom make it to Worlds, or some other international Event.

Kappa

AriCeiFeb 2, 20151 votes

You explain right here why there is a good chance PawN could win a 1v1:

"PawN is the stay back and counter-play style. That because of his mechanics can counter a ton of most over-aggressive play styles..."

"Faker is an assassin, regardless of his champion, he wants to get in there and kill something. This because of his mechanics makes for more play making, but also can cause issues when/if his team fails to handle their roles."

Faker does his best in a messy teamfight, PawN does his best against midlaners like Faker.

VixanysFeb 2, 20151 votes

Having a good chance, and being a better player are not synonymous. You can have a good chance as Xerath taking on an Ahri, but that doesn't mean you are going to win (to pull from OGN DoA and Monte).

I still think comparing these two is like comparing Oil to Water. They have two entirely different playstyles that if set can rekt the other.

PawN can be too passive and lose to the over-aggression . Faker can be too aggreesive and lose to coordinated passivity.

NageehMay 13, 20151 votes

Had fun reading your comments, if only the other ignorant YouTubers can read this, will share it with everyone I know. You're going by statistics, strategy, and facts of a "Team" game-play, while still being a fan of both, yet most people here disregard that and think you're a hardcore fan of Faker. I really enjoyed it, I am a fan of Faker and all, But I know when credits are due to other amazing teams and individuals. You know your limits unlike other crazy fans whom like "Ef everyone else, Faker is "God". He is a human after all, and can definitely make mistakes, as we've seen EDG vs SKT in MIS, Faker's Leblanc remind with amazing KDA and Pawn's Morg also ended up with amazing KDA, like you said it's a team game and if everyone else can provide the support to their team by playing their roles to the full potential. Both are amazing players and like you said no one is perfect.

Fresh LemonadeJan 22, 20152 votes

I'm glad to see Riot hasn't resorted to religion bashing to find catchy titles. Oh wait... I mean, I am not personally offended, and I know it is referencing the common catch phrase of Faker as being a "god" of mid lane, but I would expect more professionalism from a multinational organization such as Riot. It's just a poor marketing decision considering the majority of north Americans have some type of religious affiliation. They could have just as easily titled it something else like, "The Legend Lives On: Faker", "Faker: Back On Top" or even "The "God" of Midlane Returns: Faker", using quotation marks to indicate their acknowledgement that it is a euphemism. It's just not the smartest choice to potentially offend a large portion of your fans when there is no need. Anyways, that's just my 2 cents as a player who reads almost every LCS article. Can't wait to see what Faker pulls off with Zed this season! His opponents are smart to camp him.