T1, 2025 World Championship Winners... Faker Achieves Historic 'Three-peat'. Yonhap News. 

Lee Sang-hyeok, captain of T1, who achieved a historic sixth World Championship title in League of Legends (LoL) and their third consecutive victory, stated that his motivation for continuing his playing career for over a decade is "passion."

During a press conference held after winning the 2025 World Championship finals on the 9th, Faker said, "I am someone who loves games, and I find it meaningful to compete against the best players."

He added, "One of the reasons I extended my contract until 2029 is the decision made after contemplating how much I can develop and grow myself, and whether I can inspire others."

Since his professional debut in 2013, Faker has continued his career with T1 for over 12 years without ever changing teams.

T1, 2025 World Championship Winners... Faker Achieves Historic 'Three-peat'. Yonhap News. 

Regarding his continued playing career into his late twenties, considered veteran status for LoL pro gamers, Faker commented, "Maintaining the same posture requires significant health management, which I feel is important, but age does not seem to have a major impact on my skill level."

He emphasized, "It's important to maintain passion and the will to constantly grow, which doesn't falter even with age. I am making an effort to manage that aspect well."

He also mentioned, "I had a health check-up before coming here, and the results were slightly worse than before. I believe health directly translates to performance, so I will prioritize that in my preparation."

Choi Hyeon-jun, known as 'Doran,' the top laner who joined T1 for the first time this year, said, "I had confidence that I could perform well from the moment I joined T1. I am happy that we could finish with a championship together, and I am grateful to my teammates and the coaching staff."

T1's 'Doran' Choi Hyeon-jun (left) and 'Oner' Moon Hyeon-jun. Provided by Riot Games. 

He added, "Even when I faced T1 as an opponent in the past, I always thought they were truly outstanding players. Now that I'm here, I feel that beyond their skills, their individual mindsets as players are excellent."

Discussions also arose regarding the contract renewals of players whose contracts expire this year.

Doran stated, "Nothing has been decided yet. The '1-year + 1-year' option clause can be terminated if either party does not wish for it, making it a meaningless clause."

Lee Min-hyeong, or 'Gumayusi,' replied, "I anticipate approaching this year's offseason market with the same mindset I had when signing a one-year contract last year."

Gumayusi, who was selected as the Grand Finals MVP today, expressed the significance of the championship by saying, "I always believe that I gain valuable lessons through hardship and trials. It helped me improve many weaknesses in-game, and I learned that difficult moments are also for the sake of good times."

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