Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) — League of Legends' GOAT

Faker, League of Legends' four-time World Champion (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023), commands a $10 million annual T1 contract, a stark 200x increase over the $50,000 typical pro salary. This exceeds the earnings of most MLB starting pitchers, highlighting esports' financial leap. His Worlds 2023 victory drew 6.4 million peak concurrent viewers—25% more than Game 7 of the NBA Finals that year. Despite turning down a $20 million offer from China, his brand endures: billboards across Seoul celebrate him as a national treasure. Faker's longevity outperforms #3 Ninja's short-lived Mixer peak, cementing his status as esports' greatest earner.