The legendary player cements his status as one of esports' greatest with another milestone victory
Category: Arts & Culture
Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok has made history by becoming the first professional League of Legends player to win 100 games at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). The landmark victory was achieved during Game 2 of T1’s series against Team Liquid, adding to Faker's already impressive legacy in the competitive gaming world.
This achievement is particularly notable as it comes on the heels of Faker being the first player to reach 100 wins at the World Championship in October 2024. By July 6, 2025, he had accumulated a staggering total of 200 international victories, solidifying his position as a titan in the esports arena.
Faker's career has spanned over a decade, with his first professional match occurring in 2013. He remains the starting mid-laner for T1, a team that has seen immense success under his leadership, including MSI titles in both 2016 and 2017. As he prepares for his ninth MSI appearance in 2026, Faker continues to be a central figure in the tournament that has captivated fans since its inception in 2015.
The Mid-Season Invitational is an annual tournament that showcases the top teams from various regions, allowing them to compete for the title of the strongest team in the world mid-year. Initially, the MSI started in 2015 with only six participating teams and a modest prize pool. Over the years, the tournament has grown significantly in scale and prestige.
In 2017, the number of participants increased from six to thirteen, and by 2018, the MSI featured a record 14 teams, a figure that still stands today. The tournament has become a key event in the esports calendar, providing teams with an opportunity to gauge their strengths ahead of the World Championship, which is the premier event in League of Legends esports.
Among the most decorated teams in MSI history is Royal Never Give Up (RNG), which has won the tournament three times: in 2018, 2021, and 2022. Their success story includes a memorable run in 2018, where they defeated Fnatic and Kingzone DragonX to claim their first MSI title. T1, on the other hand, has won the tournament twice and reached the finals in 2022 and 2025, only to succumb to RNG and Gen.G, respectively.
As Faker gears up for his upcoming MSI participation in 2026, there is much anticipation surrounding T1's performance. The team's historical prowess at the tournament, combined with Faker's record-breaking achievements, sets high expectations among fans and analysts alike. T1's past victories in 2016 and 2017 demonstrate their capability to compete at the highest levels of international play.
The upcoming MSI in 2026 is expected to be a thrilling event, especially considering the recent shifts in team dynamics across the League of Legends competitive scene. Many teams have undergone high-profile roster changes that could significantly impact the balance of power in the tournament. This year's MSI will likely be particularly competitive, as teams vie for supremacy on the international stage.
In addition to T1, other teams like Gen.G and RNG will also be looking to make their mark. Gen.G, who recently claimed back-to-back MSI titles in 2024 and 2025, will aim to continue their winning streak, having defeated T1 in the finals last year. With the stakes higher than ever, the 2026 MSI is shaping up to be an unmissable event for esports fans.
Faker's record of 100 MSI wins highlights his individual skill and reflects the evolution of the tournament itself. As the MSI continues to grow in significance and scale, players like Faker will remain at the forefront of this exciting competition, inspiring new generations of gamers.
The Mid-Season Invitational has become a staple in the esports calendar, providing thrilling moments, emotional victories, and heart-wrenching defeats. Fans can look forward to the upcoming tournament, where the best teams from around the world will compete for glory. With Faker leading T1 into battle once again, the 2026 MSI is set to be a showcase of talent, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of League of Legends.