Top 3 Korean League of Legends Players 2024

Ask anyone to name the most popular online game today, and they’ll probably say League of Legends. It’s recognized as a legitimate sport, even being an official sport at the Asian Games, and there are international leagues competing against each other. Of course, there’s player exchange across countries and continents, and fans are very sensitive to the results of these exchanges, and League of Legends has its own World Cup. The game has always been dominated by Korean players with unmatched skill, strategy, natural instincts, and hard work ethic. Let’s look back to 2024 to see who the most famous Korean players are and which ones stand out as icons this year.

Faker: The Undisputed Emperor of League of Legends

They say you may not know the role, but you definitely know Faker . Since his debut in 2013, Faker, whose real name is Sang-hyeok Lee, has become synonymous with success and innovation in League of Legends. He has been playing for a long time as an Esports player, and in 2024, he is still going strong as a key player for T1, the team that represents his career. His mastery of the mid lane and his ability to adapt quickly to the ever-changing meta is something that not many can match. That is why you will always see his name in our picks, because there is no doubting his ability and potential.

Faker’s personal accomplishments will leave you speechless, he has won the World Championship multiple times (2013, 2015, 2016) and remains the most decorated player in the world today. In 2024, his performance helped T1 win another League of Legends World Championship, cementing his position as one of the greatest players in Esports history. Not only does Faker continue to perform as a player in his domestic league, but he also provides leadership and guidance to up-and-coming players, setting the mentality of his teammates, and keeping them focused in stressful situations.

What truly sets Faker apart is his ability to stay competitive in a game that is evolving rapidly. League of Legends changes drastically every season, but Faker adapts to new changes faster than anyone else, giving him a leg up on the competition. Faker’s presence extends beyond just the game; he is a role model for aspiring players and has shown incredible humility alongside his professionalism throughout his career. In 2024, he was named Esports Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, an award that underscores his continued dominance and influence.

Chovy: A Sensual and Artistic Mechanical Genius

When asked who comes after Faker, the names Chovy and Jeong-Hoon Chung come to mind. He plays in the same midfield as Faker and has a reputation as one of the most skilled midfielders in the world. He has a shorter career than Faker and is much younger, but he is just as skilled as Faker. Representing Gen.G in 2024, Chovy has earned the title of prodigy for having one of the best landing phases in the game. His ability to create advantages in seemingly impossible matchups has been the foundation of Gen.G's winning streak, and he has the leadership to step in and win battles whenever his team is in trouble.

If there is one word to describe Chovy’s playing career, it is meticulous: he maximizes the resources he has to make rapid progress, allowing him to have a high win rate in high-pressure matches that few other players can match. However, he is also very good at organizing his thoughts, meaning he is stronger in stronger spots, and excels in technical skills and decision-making.

In 2024, Chovy played a key role in Genji’s victory at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), one of the most prestigious tournaments on the League of Legends calendar. While he is often the deciding factor in most teams’ wins, he was even more dominant in this tournament, conquering champions like Azir, Oriana, and LeBlanc throughout the competition and utilizing them to perfection.

Chovy’s flexibility and champion pool depth allow the team to draft flexibly, giving Gen.G a strategic advantage over its competitors.

One regret Chovy has is that he hasn’t had the same level of international success as Faker so far. It was even said that Chovy’s only weakness was that he was strong domestically but weak internationally. However, he silenced many doubters by winning MSI 2024 and showing the world what he was capable of. Of course, there were times when he didn’t win a Rolld Cup title and even lost in lower-tier matches, which caused fans to question him again, but Chovy’s journey has been an incredible one and we look forward to seeing his continued growth.

Canyon: The Jungler

Gun-bu Kim, aka Canyon , is credited with redefining the jungler role. Playing for DePlus KIA in 2024, Canyon’s game embodies the perfect blend of mechanical skill, game sense, and adaptability. He has played a vital role in the team’s success, consistently excelling in domestic and international competitions.

Canyon is widely known for his perfect understanding of his role as a jungler and where he should be and what he should do.

Known for his pinpoint passes and impeccable timing, Canyon has a commanding presence like no other. Whether it’s securing objectives, pressuring lanes, or making game-winning plays, Canyon’s presence is felt in every aspect of the game. With champions like Graves, Lisin, and Nidalee, his command of the game is such that he creates nightmares for opposing teams.

In 2024, Canyon’s consistency continues to shine. Canyon has earned over $472,000 in prize money and is one of the highest-earning players in the professional scene. His ability to adapt to different metas and dedication to the jungler role have cemented him as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Canyon’s influence extends beyond his gameplay, as he is praised for his communication and leadership skills within his team.

Canyon’s greatest attributes are his innovation and dominance. It’s a tough role for a jungler to play, but he has shown the potential to push the position to its limits and dictate the tempo of the game, while also showing the ability to do so. He does so in every game with a high percentage of success, which has earned him a lot of respect and accolades from players and analysts around the world.

The Impact of Korean Players on the Global Stage

Faker, Chovy, Canyon, or the aforementioned trio are not just skilled or mentally gifted players, they are the epitome of Korean esports excellence. They are an influence and inspiration for League of Legends players, not only in their home country, but also around the world. They excel in discipline and work ethic, which is very important in the social climate in Korea.

The dominance of Korean players is based on the country’s strong infrastructure. From a young age, aspiring players have easy access to professional training and state-of-the-art facilities through academies, classes, and more, helping them adapt to a competitive environment that fosters growth. This ecosystem supports each other to produce a steady stream of world-class talent, allowing South Korea to continue its dominance at the top of League of Legends.

Moreover, the influence of successful players based at these facilities not only influences the strategies used by the teams, but also the aspirations of new or aspiring players who wish to follow in their footsteps.

Final Words

As we end 2024, it’s safe to say that Faker, Chovy, and Canyon are the three players we’ll remember the most. Each of them showcased their unique skills, accomplishments, and personalities, and we’ve seen them grow over time. This is more than just luck, it’s a testament to their perseverance and passion, and it’s a testament to the solid foundation they have in Korea. Their impact will be highly anticipated in 2025, and it will be interesting to see how they perform. It will also be interesting to see the team’s synergy with new members to be proud of, building on the unexpected player exchanges in 2024.