The 2026 Worlds anthem pays homage to the greatest player in LoL history. Instead of a host of stars, this time there is just one in the spotlight: Sang-hyeok “Faker” Lee.
Just under two and a half years ago, Sang-hyeok ‘Faker’ Lee became the first player to be inducted into Riot Games’ newly created Hall of Legends. The Hall of Legends honours professionals who have had a lasting impact on League of Legends esports. Most recently, Rasmus ‘Caps’ Winther became the first European to be inducted.
It came as little surprise that ‘Faker’ was the first to be inducted. Six world championship titles and more than a decade at the top speak for themselves. Now, Riot Games is paying further tribute to the ‘Immortal Demon King’: the music video for this year’s Worlds song, ‘Know My Name’, is entirely dedicated to his career. However, anyone in Germany who wanted to watch it live had to get up early. The video went online as early as 3 am.
A moment that defined his career
His hair hangs in his face, tears streaming down his cheeks. Sang-hyeok ‘Faker’ Lee is devastated. He has just lost the 2017 Worlds final with SK Telecom T1 against Samsung Galaxy 0–3. Instead of a third consecutive World Championship title, all that remains for the then 21-year-old is disappointment.
Before that, the music video shows the decisive mistake in the third game: Jae-hyuk ‘Ruler’ Park hits ‘Faker’s’ Karma with his Varus’s ultimate, thereby sealing Samsung Galaxy’s triumph. It marks the beginning of a long dry spell.
The video then takes us through ‘Faker’s’ career – from his first three World Championship titles between 2013 and 2016, through the five-year dry spell, to his comeback.
Whilst other teams rack up titles, ‘Faker’ walks alone through the city of world champions. He even steps into the lift at the SK T-Tower alone at first. But just as the doors are about to close, a foot suddenly wedges itself in between. ‘Gumayusi’, ‘Keria’, ‘Oner’ and ‘Zeus’ join their captain – and a new era begins.
From lone warrior to leader
But in 2022, too, the journey ends in bitter defeat. T1 lose the final 2–3 to DRX. This time, it is ‘Keria’ who – just like ‘Faker’ in 2017 – bursts into tears afterwards. But instead of being down and out himself, ‘Faker’ lifts his teammate’s spirits once more. The former child prodigy has become a leader. It feels like a promise he is set to fulfil just one year later.
What follows are the triumphs of 2023, 2024 and 2025. Riot Games highlights key plays from the three World Championships. Particularly beautifully staged: ‘Faker’s’ legendary Galio ultimate against Bilibili Gaming in 2024.
Standing on the roof of a high-rise building is his then-top-laner, Woo-je ‘Zeus’ Choi. Alone, surrounded by his opponents. As he looks up at the sky, ‘Faker’ appears. With Galio’s metallic wings on his back, he plunges down and turns the tide of battle at the last second.
New paths, old goals
But triumph is followed by a farewell. After two consecutive World Championship titles, ‘Zeus’ and T1 go their separate ways. In the music video, the top laner helps his captain back on his feet one last time. Then he pauses briefly, looks back and gives ‘Faker’ a smile. Faker smiles back before ‘Zeus’ turns away and sets off on his own path – to Hanwha Life Esports. A quiet farewell, almost like something out of an anime. A far cry from the real-life mudslinging.
Subsequently, ‘Zeus’s’ successor, ‘Doran’, joins the team, and they go on to secure their sixth world title. The city glows once more in T1’s red, whilst the various versions of ‘Faker’ merge into one. He concludes the song with his trademark gesture – a finger to his lips, silencing them all.
Is there still room for a seventh title?
In the final scene, ‘Faker’ places the 2025 trophy alongside his five previous trophies. Then his gaze falls on an empty space on the shelf.
A clear message to round things off: the story of the ‘Immortal Demon King’ is not yet over. Even after six world championship titles, ‘Faker’ seems far from satisfied.
