Faker’s Top SKT Teammates

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok stands as the undisputed king of League of Legends esports, with a career spanning over a decade of dominance at SKT T1 (now T1). His success, however, was never solo. Exceptional teammates amplified his genius, forming rosters that conquered Worlds three times and numerous LCK titles. This article ranks the five most influential partners who shared the Summoner’s Rift with him, based on synergy, achievements, and impact during their overlapping tenures.

The Backbone of Early Dominance: Bengi

Jeong “Bengi” Seun-gwoon, the legendary jungler, was Faker’s first major partner in glory. Joining SKT in 2013, Bengi provided the pathfinding and gank precision that allowed Faker’s mid-lane explosions to reshape games. Their duo pioneered the aggressive jungle-mid synergy that defined SKT’s 2013 Worlds win, Faker’s debut international triumph.

Bengi’s understated style complemented Faker’s flashiness. He thrived on champions like Jarvan IV and Lee Sin, setting up dives that turned lanes into kill zones. In 2015 and 2016 Worlds victories, Bengi’s veteran presence stabilized rosters amid changes, enabling Faker to focus on outplays. Statistics from their peaks show Bengi maintaining over 55% win rates in high-stakes series, often carrying vision control that shielded Faker’s roams.

Even in slumps, like 2017, Bengi’s return sparked resurgences. His retirement in 2018 left a void, but his era cemented SKT as a dynasty. Fans remember Bengi not for solo kills, but for the selfless plays that crowned Faker.

Top Lane Pillars: Impact and Untara

Top laners faced immense pressure opposite Faker’s mid, and two stood tallest: Lee “Impact” Jong-hoon and Kang “Untara” Hun. Impact joined in 2014, bringing NA experience from Cloud9. His tanky anchors like Maokai and Shen absorbed pressure, freeing Faker for map control. Their 2015 Worlds run featured Impact’s split-push mastery, splitting enemy focus while Faker scaled.

Untara, arriving in 2016, shifted to carry tops like Fiora and Riven, syncing with Faker’s Zed and Ahri picks for side-lane pressure. His 2016 Worlds MVP-level performances included outdueling top threats, contributing to SKT’s back-to-back titles. Untara’s mechanical prowess matched Faker’s, creating 1v1 threats across the map.

Both laners adapted to meta shifts, but their synergy with Faker—through teleports and rotations—proved pivotal. Impact’s stability and Untara’s aggression bookended SKT’s mid-decade peaks.

Bot Lane Firepower: Wolf and Bang

The bottom duo of Kim “Wolf” Tae-ho (support) and Song “Bae” Bae-geun (ADC) ignited SKT’s 2015-2016 eras. Wolf’s engages on Thresh and Bard created setups Faker exploited with follow-ups, turning teamfights into routs. Their 2015 Worlds grand final against KOO Tigers showcased Wolf’s lantern saves preserving Faker in key skirmishes.

Bang, often called a hyper-carry specialist, peaked on Vayne and Ezreal, farming efficiently under pressure. His damage output in 2016 Worlds averaged 25% of SKT’s total, scaling alongside Faker’s burst. Together, they formed a bot lane that punished dives, allowing Faker roam freedom.

• Wolf’s Vision Dominance: Top-3 control wards per minute in LCK.
• Bang’s Scaling: 60%+ win rate on late-game ADCs during titles.
• Synergy Metric: 70% bot-mid roam success rate.

This pair’s reliability let Faker dictate tempo, proving bot lane depth crucial for superteam status.

Modern Marvel: Keria’s Support Revolution

Entering in 2020, Ryu “Keria” Min-seok redefined support alongside Faker’s veteran phase. Keria’s aggressive plays on Nautilus and Rell hooked enemies into Faker’s Syndra and Orianna oneshots. Their 2023 Worlds triumph highlighted Keria’s growth, with roams rivaling junglers.

Keria’s innovation—unorthodox builds and pre-6 level plays—mirrored Faker’s creativity. In LCK Springs, their duo boasted 65% kill participation, blending old-school execution with new meta flair. As T1’s current support, Keria carries Faker’s legacy into future hunts.

Honorable Mentions and Roster Evolution

Other notables like Blank (jungle utility) and Teddy (ADC precision) bolstered transitions, but the top five defined eras. SKT’s flux—from 2013 exodus to 2020 rebuilds—tested bonds, yet these players endured.

Faker’s adaptability shone brightest with versatile teammates. Bengi’s paths, top anchors, bot scaling, and Keria’s flair created unbeatable combos.

Impact on Esports Legacy

These partnerships transcended stats: they inspired global playstyles. Faker’s outplays gained context through enablers, influencing pros worldwide. T1’s dynasty, with four Worlds (2013,2015,2016,2023), owes much to this synergy.

FAQs

Who was Faker’s longest-tenured teammate?

Bengi, overlapping multiple eras including three Worlds wins.

Which top laner won Worlds with Faker?

Both Impact (2015) and Untara (2016).

How did Keria complement late-career Faker?

Through aggressive initiations and roam synergy, key in 2023 Worlds.

What made SKT bot lanes special?

Scaling damage from Bang and engages from Wolf enabled Faker’s map control.

Is T1 still dominant post these eras?

Yes, with Keria and current roster chasing more titles.