Faker wins 2024 LCK Player of the Year
South Korean League of Legends has put the finishing touches on a successful year with the LCK Awards, and the star of the show was none other than Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, who earned the title of 2024 LCK Player of the Year.
After leading his team to victory at the World Championship earlier this year for an astonishing fifth time, the greatest player the game has ever seen continues to build on his illustrious career by adding yet another trophy to the tally.
Did Faker do enough?
While there is no denying Faker had to partake in some heavy lifting to claim the World Championship for T1, questions remain on whether he really was the best LCK player year-round; emphasis on the 'LCK'. For reference, the list of nominees for the award also included Oner, Peanut and Chovy.
While Faker struggled during the 2024 LCK Spring and Summer seasons, Oner played a large role in keeping the T1 boat afloat. Meanwhile, Peanut led Hanwha Life Esports to their very first LCK trophy by defeating a Gen.G squad that looked nigh on unbeatable at the time.
And speaking of Gen.G, perhaps no player in South Korea could make a better claim for being worthy of the 2024 LCK Player of the Year than Chovy. The Gen.G player and ruler of the mid lane Kingdom was largely responsible for his team's record breaking Summer Season. Not only that, but 2024 also proved to be the year Chovy would finally claim his first international trophy at MSI after years of falling just short of the mark.
Faker's eye-catching antics at Worlds, coupled with the player's remarkable ability to win when it matters most, however, proved to be enough to tilt the balance in his favor despite Chovy's dominant year in the LCK.
Humble as only the GOAT could be, however, Faker had this to say following the announcement:
"Looking back on this year, I could not have imagined that I would win this year's Player of the Year award until the summer season. I thought Gen.G was too strong in the spring season, and Gen.G and Hanwha Life were too strong in the summer season. I think I was able to be here because my teammates endured so well during those tough times.
I received the award because of my family, colleagues, friends, and you. I will take it as a sign that I should work harder"
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Image source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
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