T1’s star player and mid laner, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, has decided to take a break from competing in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) Summer 2023 in order to prioritize his health.

According to an official statement from T1, the 27-year-old Korean player has been experiencing discomfort in his right arm and hand.

During his break, T1 Faker will be receiving physical therapy treatments and participating in rehabilitation programs, aiming to recover and make a comeback for the LCK Summer 2023 regular season. T1’s final match in the regular season is scheduled against Liiv SANDBOX on August 4.

Before the announcement, the pro player underwent examinations that included X-rays and MRI scans, which did not reveal any significant abnormalities.



Poby to sub for T1 Faker at LCK Summer 2023 regular season in light of the latter’s right hand injury

To fill in for T1 Faker while he recovers from his right hand injury, 17-year-old rookie Yoon “Poby” Sung-won has been chosen to play as the substitute mid laner.

Poby initially joined T1 Rookies in 2021 as a mid laner and was later promoted to T1 Challengers, which was later renamed T1 Esports Academy.

T1 mid laner Yoon "Poby" Sung-won, substituting for Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok
Credit: LCK

Poby made his debut in the LCK on July 5, during Week 5 of the LCK Summer 2023 regular season, in a match where T1, unfortunately, lost 2-0 to DRX.

T1 Faker pointing to the logo on his jacket at MSI 2022
Credit: Lee Aiksoon/Riot Games

At the moment, T1 has not provided any information regarding Faker’s return to competitive play. This is the first time that he has reported experiencing discomfort in his right hand and arm, crucial for his career as a professional League of Legends player.

It is worth noting that in 2020, T1 insured Faker’s right hand as part of their partnership agreement with Hana Bank. Should anything bad happen to his hand, he will receive a whopping US$833,600.

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