Esports star Faker gets ownership stake in new deal with T1

Esports megastar Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has assumed an ownership stake of T1 Entertainment & Sports as part of a three-year player contract with organization. 23-year-old South Korean gamer, who has parlayed his place as world's top League of Legends player into fame and fortune, will take on a unique position as player-executive for an esports powerhouse. deal was anunced by T1 on Tuesday morning. Financial terms were t disclosed.

Sang-hyeok joined T1 as a 17-year-old in 2013. He has won three world championships and eight Korean titles with organization.

His talent and celebrity prompted speculation about sort of contract he might fetch if he ever became a free nt. Inste, he's set to play at least three more seasons with T1 and has been promised a leership role within organization after his playing career.

“I am excited to continue playing for T1 and am thankful for all fans around world who have supported me all se years,” Sang-hyeok said in a statement released by T1. “I am hored to become a part owner of T1 and look forward to working with leership team beyond my playing career. I love this team and am proud to help mold future of this organization.”

Established in 2003 as SK Telecom T1, company expanded beyond South Korea in a partnership with Comcast in early 2019 and rebranded as T1 Entertainment & Sports. organization has teams and players in a number of games, including Fortnite, Dota 2, Super Smash Bros., Apex Legends and Overwatch. company even has a partnership with Nike to develop esports training facilities and programs.

“T1 is thrilled to have Faker on its roster for next three seasons,” T1 CEO Joe Marsh said. “Since T1’s inception, Faker has been cornerstone of our team’s success and his undying passion for this organization will continue to drive us forward w that he is a part owner of T1 Entertainment & Sports. Even after Faker’s retirement — whenever that may be — he will begin next chapter of his legacy in a leership role with T1, helping to mold next generation of elite esports athletes.”

(Picture Credit: pixabay)