We often marvel at the costs of some sporting contracts such as in Football where they often exceed £10 million, sometimes double that. What we haven’t caught a glimpse of yet is how much it costs to keep some of the best esports stars happy, until now. There’s a team and player synonymous with League of Legends – SK Telecom T1 and Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok. The two go hand in hand when considering the highest level of play in the game, and it’s worth noting that SK Telecom T1 just became the consecutive world champions last month. The win at Worlds made Faker a three time world champion, so what sort of price tag can one put on such skill?
A report translated by PVP Live spilled the beans, and the re-signing of Faker to SK Telecom T1 cost them around $2.5 million. His salary for 2016 was around $850,000 added to the assumed contract he originally signed for $1.7 million. It goes without saying that Faker is that good. He is the best middle lane player in the League, and this now puts him at the top with the highest contract created in the history of esports. The contract excludes his winnings, current sponsorships and the possible sponsorships arriving in the near future. Who doesn’t want a piece of the most sought after mid-laner in League of Legends? Naver, the Korean site which broke the news, added that this contract is similar to what Korean Basketball players get, the other major sport in the region. Let’s not forget the revenue Faker receives from Riot Games as well, noting he is now one of the biggest players in the game.
Next time your parents tell you that people can’t make money playing games, tell them about Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok.
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Last Updated: November 30, 2016
Andre Fourie
November 30, 2016 at 12:07
Too much?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/48d2f1faf2e8d72c8de636876fb4cdbfef42627f1ef851d1a11e6dfc21f0d12b.jpg
Magoo
November 30, 2016 at 13:57
This is the best picture on the internet. xD
DragonSpirit009
November 30, 2016 at 12:09
I had this conversation with my mother the other day actually. She just looked at me confused and asked how it’s possible that they can earn so much XD Her face was priceless.
Andre Fourie
November 30, 2016 at 12:10
From the older generation’s perspective I can see how they find it weird.
Lu
November 30, 2016 at 12:40
I’m 27 and I still can’t understand why people accept the fact that sportsmen (and woman) make such crazy amounts of money for playing a game. Supply and demand at it’s best I guess.
Andre Fourie
November 30, 2016 at 13:14
27? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dd7b242ed0a1d23a1e4a4aa977e4c2056c1b832b0bd3f567bb12c3770baf5248.jpg
Lu
November 30, 2016 at 13:44
Hahaha yes Rabbit-San. That is the general opinion of me both at work and my friend circle.
Magoo
November 30, 2016 at 13:55
Ugh. The problem with investors and sponsors is that all they want is to win. Which is reasonable. But I personally perceive this as harmful to the industry. The sponsors continue to outbid each other in efforts to get the 1% of the 1% of the 1%. Using 10% of the floating money in the industry, while the 100th best player in the world is sitting on a $5000/pa contract. In principle, if more people make more money lower down in the ladder, it’s a lot more viable as a career. Instead it’s still just a hobby for potential #1s who need to work or study for 8 hours a day.
Craig "CrAiGiSh" Dodd
November 30, 2016 at 14:17
Clearly in the wrong industry ….
Thats_How_I_Troll
November 30, 2016 at 14:22
Wish I could give this article to my dad 20 years ago, every time I had to hear: “Games gaan nie donnerse brood op die tafel sit nie.”
Andre Fourie
November 30, 2016 at 14:36
XD
Magoo
November 30, 2016 at 14:42
Well, did it?!
Thats_How_I_Troll
December 2, 2016 at 11:14
Were never give the chance, so no.. ;( https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ca54350d983eb2cb4759532578cf43905a246fd44f344379854ec444f7e3c600.jpg
Thats_How_I_Troll
December 2, 2016 at 12:04
Dad, is that you?
Thats_How_I_Troll
November 30, 2016 at 14:24
PS. Is this Asian-lashing? Or the Asianboy club? #NeverForget
Andre Fourie
November 30, 2016 at 14:37
I will never talk about the one night in Bangkok, so nope. No lashing no clubbing.