Cover-Credits:
The offseason following Worlds in League of Legends esports is always buzzing with activities. Pro players and teams usually discuss their buyout situations and announce their moves during this season and unsurprisingly, we’ve already had a string of rumors and reports. Fans have been extremely curious as to whether T1 will be retaining its 2022 roster after the team emerged as the runner-up at Worlds 2022. On 25th November, T1 CEO Joe Marsh confirmed that the organization will be confirming its 2023 roster on 28th November, and staying true to his word, T1 announced that it has re-signed its superstar player Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok for three years. Notably, Faker has been a part of T1 since the beginning of his esports career.
Faker will stay with T1
On 28th November, T1 posted a poster on social media that said, “Faker re-signs with T1 for three years.” As his initial contract with T1 expired on 21st November, sources privy to Blix.GG stated that Faker would be reportedly exploring options in several regions including North America’s (NA) League of Legends Championship Series (LCS). Though this raised a lot of eyebrows, fans were confident that he would stick with his current organization given that even in the past he has explored his options as a free agent only to re-sign with T1. Notably, in 2020, Faker signed a three-year contract that included part ownership of T1 Entertainment & Sports.
Faker started his League of Legends journey with T1, previously called SK Telecom T1 (SKT T1), in 2013. Fans, analysts, and players alike consider Faker as the “GOAT” (Greatest of all time) of League of Legends esports. Faker won his first World Championship with SKT T1 in 2013, his debut year, and has been a pivotal part of the team ever since. After having missed Worlds in 2014, SKT T1 and Faker returned to their winning ways in 2015, becoming the champion team yet again.
This year T1 came very close to picking up its third Worlds title in North America but lost to DRX in a very close series that extended to five games in the grand finals. Despite having very young teammates, Faker showed experience, grit, and composure as he guided them through the tournament.
It is safe to say that this year was one of the strongest we’ve seen for both Faker and T1. The team went undefeated in the Korean league’s spring split, placed second at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), came second in the competitive summer split, and put up a strong showing at Worlds 2022.
Faker also broke multiple records at Worlds 2022 and reminded fans and players why he is the face of League of Legends.
T1 announces coaching staff for 2023
T1 also announced the signing of its coaching staff for 2023. They include:
Kim “Roach” Kang-hee (Former pro player and T1 top laner)
Kim “Sky” Ha-neul
Im “Tom” Jae-hyeon
The three coaches will work together with head coach Bae “Bengi” Seong-woong next season.
With a newly reforged coaching team and with Faker at the helm once again, T1 will look to achieve more laurels in the 2023 season and win Worlds for the fourth time.
