Yahoo Autos Mercedes-Benz Gives League of Legends Star 'Faker' a Customized SL 63
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In a significant gesture recognizing the growing influence of e-sports, Mercedes-Benz has honored Lee Sang-hyeok, known as 'Faker,' with a bespoke Mercedes-AMG SL 63. This gift marks Faker's induction as the first member of the newly established Hall of Legends, a hall of fame created by Riot Games to celebrate the greatest players in League of Legends history.
Mercedes-Benz's partnership with League of Legends and its publisher, Riot Games, began in 2020 and has since flourished, culminating in this unique celebration of Faker's achievements. The Hall of Legends, inaugurated this year, aims to induct a new legendary player annually, starting with Faker, a towering figure in the e-sports community.
Faker’s customized SL 63 is a standout in the Mercedes-AMG lineup, featuring all-wheel drive, a striking design, and a powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The car was tailored by Mercedes-Benz’s MANUFAKTUR department, incorporating unique elements such as Faker’s signature on the headrests and Hall of Legends lettering on the floormats.
In addition to the car, Mercedes-Benz presented Faker with a bespoke art piece created in collaboration with a renowned design studio. This artwork, depicting Faker in his hometown of Seoul alongside his customized AMG performance car, captures the essence of his gaming persona and real-life success, rendered in a style reminiscent of the League of Legends game.
The ceremonial presentation took place at The Shilla Seoul hotel during the Hall of Legends 2024 Media Day. Mathias Vaitl, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea, handed over the keys to Faker, underscoring the brand's recognition of his impact on the global gaming community.
Bettina Fetzer, Vice President of Communications & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz AG, emphasized the brand’s commitment to creating extraordinary moments for the e-sports community. “The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Roadster, personalized by hand in honor of Faker, embodies both top performance and uniqueness. Both attributes perfectly match Faker’s style of play.”
Chris Greeley, Global Head of Strategy for League of Legends Esports, expressed pride in the partnership with Mercedes-Benz, noting that the customized, handcrafted car serves as a fitting tribute to Faker's induction into the Hall of Legends. This collaboration highlights Mercedes-Benz's appreciation for the League of Legends community.
To further commemorate the event, Mercedes-Benz plans to release an official “Winner Film” celebrating Faker's induction. This initiative, along with the bespoke car and art piece, illustrates the depth of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in the e-sports arena.
As Faker continues to inspire millions of fans worldwide, this unique honor from Mercedes-Benz not only celebrates his past achievements but also sets a new benchmark for the intersection of luxury brands and the dynamic world of competitive gaming.
