After more than a decade of defining excellence in League of Legends esports, Faker still remembers two iconic Chinese players who tested his limits.
When asked about his biggest rivals, the five-time League world champion didn’t hesitate to name a few familiar faces.
“I’ve met so many great players at Worlds throughout my career. I would consider maybe Uzi and Knight from the LPL because I’ve faced them many, many times,” Faker said in an interview with Mais Esports. “And I feel like I always have a lot of fun against them. These are also matchups that many people really look forward to and love watching this rivalry.”
While Uzi has retired early due to health issues, particularly with his wrist and diagnosed type two diabetes, he is still seen as one of the legendary League esports players of all time in China. He lifted the MSI 2018 trophy with RNG, ending LCK’s dominance on the international stage and triggering a cross-regional rivalry between Korea and China.
Uzi’s clashes with Faker have always come with high stakes, but none bigger than the Worlds 2013 finals, a series the Chinese legend still carries with regret after falling to Faker’s SKT T1 and ultimately never winning a Worlds title. Even so, Uzi’s domestic dominance and unmatched mechanical prowess earned him a place in the Hall of Legends alongside Faker, forever etching their rivalry into League history.
Knight, on the other hand, matched Faker’s prowess in the mid lane and built a shining career in the LPL. Renowned for his mechanical skill reminiscent of prime Faker, every time the two face off on the international stage, fans are treated to some of the finest mid-lane matchups the game has to offer.
After winning MSI 2023, Knight cemented his status as one of the game’s greats, but his pursuit of the elusive Worlds trophy was halted the following year when Faker’s T1 defeated BLG in the finals, mirroring Uzi’s fate years earlier. Knight, however, remains in contention at this year’s Worlds 2025, giving him another chance to claim the international crown that has long eluded him.
T1 is set to face a familiar opponent in Gen.G as they continue their Worlds 2025 journey, while BLG goes up against G2 Esports in the ongoing Swiss Stage.
