In any competitive sport or field, there are figures considered to be the greatest. Of course, the concept of Greatest of All Time (GOAT) is somewhat relative. Each person has different standards and different names to discuss the GOAT. However, in the world of League of Legends, it is a bit different.
Specifically, in League of Legends, even anti-fans must admit: Faker is the one true GOAT. The greatness of the legend born in 1996 is beyond debate. Moreover, Faker’s influence extends throughout Esports, not just in League of Legends. As the representative of the Asian Games Organizing Committee once acknowledged, it was largely thanks to Faker’s influence that the Olympic Committee agreed to recognize Esports as an official medal sport.
Recently, Riot’s official League of Legends page posted an article asking: “Who deserves to be the GOAT of League of Legends alongside Faker?” Naturally, this question immediately sparked intense debate within the League of Legends community. After all, even Riot admits that Faker is the “King”, so it can be understood that this question seeks to find a “Deputy GOAT”. Yet, clearly, any name put forward would likely leave many feeling unsatisfied.
ADCs Uzi and Ruler are mentioned, but one has been unfortunate at World Championships while the other has only recently gained more recognition. However, both Uzi and Ruler fall far short of Faker in terms of influence. Gen.G is strong without Ruler and is currently ready to defend their LCK championship. Meanwhile, since Uzi left Royal Never Give Up, he has yet to regain his former glory. Moreover, when it comes to domestic and international titles, both Ruler and Uzi lag behind Faker.
BeryL is also mentioned as he has won 2 World Championship titles with two different teams. However, it is clear that the Support player from DRX is no longer fully dedicated to League of Legends like Faker. While BeryL has a high level of expertise and influence, in other aspects, he still falls short compared to Faker.
On a global scale, Caps, Jankos, or Perkz, Rekkles are all unlikely to be chosen as the “Deputy GOAT”. Even within G2 Esports, 3 out of 4 of these names have been replaced and lost their former glory. Caps is the only player still shining with G2, but he has only one MSI title to his name. This is far too little compared to Faker’s legendary career. In fact, players like Meiko or Ming have more titles than Caps.
Historically, Faker is the only GOAT in the League of Legends scene, and this is beyond dispute. However, if Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi always stand side by side, in League of Legends, there is still no one worthy to stand alongside Faker or at least be considered a “Deputy GOAT”, at least not at this moment.