Faker's right hand is insured for an incredible amount of money
They say a workman is only as good as his tools, which might explain why Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok’s right hand has been insured for an eye-watering amount of money.
For esports professionals who make a living from playing, it's important they keep their best features in good working order. When it comes to Faker, that includes his right hand.
In a partnership with Korean finance company Hana Bank, T1 has splashed the cash to insure Faker. If anything happens to Faker's right hand, Hana Bank has agreed to pay out a whopping KR₩1 billion - which works out at about $833,600. It's not just Faker who's at the centre of the latest deal.
From next year, LCK players will see their salary rise from KR₩20 million ($16,000) to KR₩60 million ($50,000). Doing the maths, that's more than just a little extra pocket money.
Discussing this "handy" venture, Faker said, "I am glad that other players and I have a good opportunity to prepare for financial planning through the Hana Bank's partnership".
"Athlete injury insurance" is already popular in other professional sports, so it was only a matter of time before it came to esports. T1 and Hana Bank reiterated that pro gamers are also at risk of injury to areas like wrists and waists. If a player is unable to compete, it could seriously affect the rest of the team, leading to the supersized introduction of "Faker's Right-Hand Insurance".
Click to enlargeThe move is supposed to push financial products to a younger fanbase and is aimed at targeting the millennial demographic. Elsewhere, T1's esports centre in Gangnam, Seoul is being rebranded as the "Hana OneQ-T1 Hall of Fame". Finally, T1 members are getting a new addition to their uniforms and will now wear Hana OneQ's logo.
With Faker being dubbed by many as the world's best League of Legends player, the 24-year-old should sleep a little easier knowing his hand is insured against any accidents.
