How much does T1 Faker earn in total? - 33rd Square (2024)

Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok is widely considered the greatest League of Legends player of all time. As the long-time superstar of T1 Esports Club (formerly SK Telecom T1), his annual earnings likely exceed $6 million when accounting for salary, bonuses, sponsorship revenue and other income sources.

Breaking Down Faker‘s Earnings

While full financial details remain private, several key numbers provide a picture of Faker‘s lucrative career:

• Estimated 2022 Salary: $3 million base + performance bonuses
• 3-year contract with T1 through 2023, approx. $2.5 million annually
• Career tournament prize money: $1.42 million (highest in LoL history)
• Estimated bonus + sponsorship earnings: $500k – $1 million

When weighing these income sources, Faker‘s total compensation likely ranges from $6 million to over $7 million currently. As the undisputed face of LoL esports, he is rewarded handsomely.

Salary and Contracts

In 2020, Faker re-signed with T1 on a multi-year deal keeping him with the team until 2023, reportedly worth around $2.5 million per year.

For 2022, insider sources indicate his guaranteed salary has increased to $3 million, with additional performance bonuses that could reach several hundred thousand dollars based on winning LCK titles and qualifying for Worlds.

This likely makes Faker among the top 3 highest-paid esports stars worldwide currently.

Prize Money

Since his 2013 debut, Faker has amassed over $1.42 million in prize money from major League of Legends tournaments – the most all-time. This includes his share of 3 World Championship wins with T1 in 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Here is a breakdown of his total tournament earnings:

Winning Worlds 2021 could have added another $250k+ to his tally. While a sizable sum, prize money makes up a minority of Faker‘s income.

Sponsorships & Endorsements

As one of the most recognizable and marketable esports athletes globally, Faker also earns big through corporate sponsorships and endorsements. Major deals include:

• Nike – appeared in Nike ads across Asia
• Razer – gaming peripherals brand
• BMW Korea – gifted a BMW sports car in 2018
• SK Telecom – part owner of T1, has sponsored Faker for years

Sources estimate he likely earns between $500,000 to over $1 million annually through sponsor deals.

His Frugal Lifestyle

Despite his fortune, Faker is said to live a humble, frugal lifestyle. He revealed on a Korean talk show that he spends less than $200 a month on personal expenses. While T1 may cover his housing and training facilities, he does not flaunt luxuries and remains laser focused on competing.

Breakdown of Income Sources

Based on available data, here is an approximate breakdown of what percentage of income comes from each source annually:

• Salary: 50%
• Performance Bonuses: 15%
• Prize Money: 15%
• Sponsorships & Endorsements: 20%

Salary and bonuses make up the lion‘s share, while prize money and sponsors contribute millions in additional earnings.

Career Tournament Highlights

Faker‘s unmatched career accolades on the Rift have contributed enormously to his star power and earnings:

• 3x League of Legends World Champion (2013, 2015, 2016)
• Worlds Finals appearance in 7 of his 10 seasons as a pro
• 2x Worlds runner-up (2017, 2021)
• 1x Mid-Season Invitational champion (2016)
• Over $1.4 million in prize money
• Multiple LCK titles and MVP awards

He is the consensus GOAT in League of Legends, and the first pro gamer inducted into the Esports Hall of Fame (2019).

T1 Organization Valuation

As an original player and multi-year superstar, Faker likely holds equity in T1 from his contracts. In 2019, T1 sold a controlling stake to Comcast and SK Telecom at a valuation of around $310 million. This demonstrates the huge wealth generated by elite esports brands.

Comparing Faker‘s Earnings to Top Gamers

While his net worth is unknown, Faker‘s career earnings put him among the top all-time, rivaling other elite esports stars and streamers:

• Ninja (Tyler Blevins): $40 million
• xQc (Félix Lengyel): $8 million
• Shroud (Michael Grzesiek): $12 million
• S1mple (Oleksandr Kostyliev): $2.5 million

Only a handful have earned more than the Unkillable Demon King by mastering a single esports title.

Future Earnings Potential

At just 26 years old, Faker likely has several more years of commanding high salaries if he maintains excellence. The 3-time World Champion shows no signs of dropping off yet. Combining his current earnings with future potential, Faker‘s career totals could reach $15 to $20 million or more.

As League of Legends continues to grow, so too will its financial opportunities for undisputed legends of the game like Faker. He will be richly rewarded for the brand power he provides T1 and Riot Games. For organizations, future esports stars may increasingly mirror the high salaries of traditional sports.

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