Faker, the reigning and four-time winner of the League of Legends World Championship, recently disclosed the rationale behind turning down a massive 24 billion KRW (18.43 million USD) offer from China to transfer teams.

Faker appeared as a special guest on tvN's 'You Quiz On The Block' on December 20 and shared various things about his career and life.

In November 2023, his team, T1, clinched the title at the 2023 League of Legends (LoL) World Championship, adding another prestigious victory to their legacy. Earlier in the year, he contributed to Team Korea's triumph, earning a gold medal at the Asian Games.

Faker shared, "This was the first time (eSports) was acknowledged as an official event at the Asian Games. I'm thankful and satisfied with such a good experience." Yoo Jae Suk noted that many people gathered in front of the athletes' dormitory just to take photos with Faker. Faker explained, "I participated in 2018 when it was a demonstration sport, and there were not that many people who wanted to take photos (with me), but this time, there were a lot. It was also nice to meet many of the athletes."

On this day, Faker also revealed the benefits of winning the League of Legends World Championship. Faker disclosed, "The prize money for winning the World Champion amounts to 1 billion KRW (~767,999 USD). After receiving that and additional income, there are 'skins' (that the players choose) for the champions/characters that bring in substantial income." 

Faker's latest victory at the World Championship follows his last victory back in 2016. Faker shared, "I think I felt 'accomplished.' I didn't think about the results while I prepared. I didn't have the goal to 'Win the World Championship' but I had the goal of 'Doing my best.' I played with the thought to enjoy the game even if we were lose 3 to 0. That was my goal. Our fans wanted the victory so in that aspect, I was happy."

Yoo Jae Suk also mentioned the World Finals teaser where Faker said, "The fourth championship is for my teammates." The League of Legends GOAT responded, "The victory this time wasn't mine alone but my team accomplished it." He added, "I thought I needed a goal this year. When I was younger, when I first debuted (as a professional player), I wanted to earn a lot of money. My goal was to win and earn prize money. But as the years passed, I accomplished my goal of earning money. So, I thought I needed a new goal. I kept thinking about what was important and the next thing I thought was important was 'honor'."

He elaborated, "(Before) I thought I should let people know how great I am by winning a lot. But as my career built up, I contemplated what other goals I should have. I thought I should set a goal dedicated to others that I can keep aspiring to achieve." 

Yoo Jae Suk then asked, "I heard that a Chinese team offered you 24 billion KRW (~18.4 million USD) to transfer to their team, but you declined the offer?" Faker explained, "My goal right now is to learn more and to grow rather than earning money and building fame. Also, the team (T1) treats me well, so I stayed."

In response, Yoo Jae Suk said, "Even if the team treats you well and you've already made up your mind, it's still 24 billion KRW." Jo Se Ho followed up, "I think people must've approached you to ask, 'It's 24 billion KRW, why won't you transfer (teams)?" Faker responded, "My family respected my decision. Also, there might be a difference between the actual amount and the known amount."

Faker also chose 'modesty' as an essential quality for a professional gamer. He shared, "I think modesty is the most important. With a humble attitude, you can listen to what other people say and you can learn more that way."