An image that seems ordinary of Faker but still evokes nostalgia for many
As of now, Faker is the player participating in the most MSI tournaments among all competitors this year, including those who have been eliminated. After over 12 years of career, Faker remains resilient, while many players who debuted before him, around the same time, or even after have retired. Recently, a more visual image showcasing Faker’s enduring career has appeared at MSI 2025, stirring mixed feelings among many.
Specifically, before the official match began and the players were moving from the waiting room, Faker was sitting alone in the position of the main chair in the T1 lineup. Although the moment was fleeting as his teammates quickly gathered around him, just those few seconds were enough to make the community feel nostalgic: After more than a decade, the environment around Faker may change, but his position remains unchanged.
Throughout Faker’s career, not only have players retired, but many teams have emerged and disappeared. Even Riot has undergone numerous changes. However, looking at the Mid Lane of T1, it has been Faker since this team was established and named SKT T1 in 2013.
And perhaps truly, no one can replace Faker
However, from this image, a truth has emerged: even if a player could be found to replace Faker, for most of the League of Legends community, it would feel very strange if T1 took the stage with a Mid Laner other than Faker. Poby has experienced this heavy pressure, and historically, aside from EasyHoon to some extent, no one has been able to replace Faker, even in terms of skill, let alone influence.
But for now, perhaps the community only needs to focus on what Faker can achieve with T1 at MSI 2025 and the following tournaments. As for the matter of replacement, that will need to be answered by the future.