In a rare interview amidst the intense Summer split and playoff season, Faker, one of the most iconic figures in the esports world, took a moment to reflect on his career. The conversation shifted away from game tactics and matchups, focusing instead on his personal journey, the highs and lows of his career, and the lessons he has learned over the years. Here's a summary of the conversation.
1. On the Significance of His Recent World Championships
Faker's two World Championship victories in 2023 and 2024 marked a pivotal moment in his career. Reflecting on these triumphs, Faker shared that these titles held even more significance than his previous wins. "It felt like all my past failures finally paid off," he said. Unlike the earlier wins, which he attributed to hard work alone, these victories felt deeply personal, built on everything he had endured.
2. The Period of Struggles (2017-2022)
The interview delved into the years between 2017 and 2022, a period when Faker and his team faced significant struggles. For many athletes, setbacks can fuel the drive to succeed, and Faker echoed this sentiment. "It’s hard to stay motivated when you’re always winning," he admitted. However, after experiencing losses, his desire to win grew stronger, helping him understand his own competitive spirit better. He acknowledged that while losses were painful, they ultimately made him more determined to succeed.

3. Adapting to Change: Learning from Legends
Faker’s journey back to the top of the esports world wasn’t just about honing his gameplay but also about adapting his mindset and physical approach. Drawing parallels to other sports legends like Roger Federer and Michael Jordan, Faker discussed how players evolve over time. “I came to think of winning and losing not as results, but as probabilities,” he explained, noting how focusing more on the process of preparation and practice rather than the outcome itself helped sharpen his competitive edge.
One of the most intriguing insights came when Faker discussed his physical adjustments. Esports, unlike traditional sports, lacks the extensive research on the physicality of gameplay. Faker, however, took matters into his own hands, experimenting with his posture and arm positioning to improve his gameplay. "I even looked into anatomy books to understand it better," he revealed, adding that he also referred to FPS players for guidance on refining his aim. These changes, though challenging, were essential in adapting his playstyle to continue competing at the highest level.

4. Early Days and Valuable Lessons
When asked about his early years in professional gaming, particularly in 2013, 2015, and 2016, Faker reflected on how those formative experiences shaped his approach to the game. "I first became a pro gamer because I thought it would be a unique experience," he said. His early success helped build his in-game knowledge and focus. However, he also acknowledged that the most important lessons came later, through the failures and personal growth that followed.
5. The Pain of Losing: Key Defeats and Their Impact
The conversation took a more somber turn as Faker was asked to reflect on some of his most painful losses. The 2018 World Championship, where Faker’s team failed to qualify, didn’t trigger an overwhelming emotional response for him. Instead, he viewed it as part of a disappointing season overall, noting that their performance had been lackluster throughout the year.
However, the 2017 World Championship final, where Faker’s team suffered a devastating 3-0 loss, was a different experience. The defeat left him with an overwhelming sense of regret. "We had always won before, so it felt natural to expect the same," he said. The crushing 3-0 loss to Samsung Galaxy in the final was not just a result but a realization of how high the stakes were. When asked if a 3-2 loss would have been less disappointing, Faker admitted, "It would’ve felt a bit better if we had lost 3-2, but our performance at the time wasn’t good, which made the disappointment even bigger."

The above content is compiled by ModeZone, a fashion and entertainment magazine.