Deft, whose real name is Kim Hyuk-kyu, is a renowned player in the world of League of Legends esports. He has made significant contributions to the game, particularly in the role of AD Carry.
Currently playing for Dplus KIA, Deft has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike with his exceptional skills and strategic gameplay.
Deft’s journey in League of Legends began in February 2013 when he joined MVP Blue.
Over the years, he has played for several teams, including Samsung Blue and DRX. He achieved remarkable success at the 2022 World Championship, where his team, DRX, emerged victorious in a closely contested finals against T1.
Beyond his in-game prowess, Deft’s net worth and career earnings are topics of interest. His numerous contracts and tournament winnings have solidified his position as one of the top earners in esports.
To dive deeper into his career achievements and life beyond the game, explore more about Deft’s incredible journey and legacy in the League of Legends community.
Who is Deft?
Deft, whose real name is Kim Hyuk-kyu, is a renowned professional gamer in the eSports scene, particularly known for his exceptional skills in League of Legends. He has made significant marks in both domestic and international tournaments, providing a lasting impact on the game and its players.
What is Deft’s Name and Age?
Kim Hyuk-kyu, widely known by his in-game name Deft, was born on October 23, 1996. As of September 2024, he is 27 years old.
Deft has been a prominent figure in the League of Legends community for over a decade. His journey began at MVP Blue in 2013, and he has since played for several noteworthy teams, consistently impressing fans and players alike with his performance.
Where Did Deft Grow Up?
Deft grew up in Seoul, South Korea. He attended Mapo High School, which is also famous for producing another gaming legend, Faker.
Growing up in South Korea, a country known for its competitive gaming culture, provided Deft with an environment that fostered his skills and passion for League of Legends. This background helped shape him into the professional player he is today.
Where Does Deft Live?
Currently, Deft resides in Seoul, South Korea. Seoul is a hub for eSports, boasting numerous gaming facilities, professional teams, and a vibrant community of fans and players.
Living in such a city has offered Deft resources and opportunities to train, compete, and stay connected with the global gaming community.
Did Deft Go to College?
There is no public record of Deft attending college. Like many professional gamers, Deft likely dedicated his early post-high school years to his gaming career.
The competitive demands of professional eSports often require intense focus and time commitment, making it challenging to pursue higher education concurrently.
Who is Deft Dating?
Information regarding Deft’s personal relationships, including his dating life, is not publicly available.
Professional gamers, like many celebrities, often keep their private lives confidential. Focusing on their careers and maintaining a level of privacy can be important for managing public attention and personal wellbeing.
Has Deft Been in the Military?
Deft has not yet completed his mandatory military service in South Korea. South Korean law requires all male citizens to serve in the military for a period, usually before the age of 30.
Given Deft’s age, it is expected that he will have to fulfill this obligation soon. This requirement poses a career interruption for many professional gamers from South Korea.
Deft Professional League of Legends Career
Deft, known for his remarkable skill and achievements, has had a storied career in professional League of Legends. As an AD carry, he has played for several prominent teams and won multiple titles, earning a reputation as a top player in the esports world.
What Role is Deft Known for Playing?
Deft is best known for playing the AD carry role, also called the bot laner. Players in this position are crucial for their team’s damage output, handling champions that excel in dealing consistent damage in fights.
Deft’s exceptional ability in this role has made him one of the most recognized names in League of Legends. His precise playstyle and deep champion pool, including champions like Varus, have contributed to his enduring success.
What Team Does Deft Play For?
As of 2024, Deft plays for Dplus KIA. This team has been a significant part of his career in recent years.
Dplus KIA (formerly known as DAMWON KIA) is a top esports organization in South Korea. Deft’s presence on the team demonstrates his continued relevance and high-level performance in the competitive scene. His experience helps guide the team through tough matches, particularly in highly competitive leagues like the LCK.
What Other Teams Has Deft Played For?
Deft’s professional journey started with MVP Blue in 2013. Post MVP, he joined Samsung Blue, making a name for himself in the League of Legends community.
Later, he played for EDward Gaming (EDG), where he had significant success in the Chinese LPL. Returning to Korea, Deft played for KT Rolster, followed by stints with Kingzone DragonX (later DRX) and Hanwha Life Esports.
His diverse experiences across different teams and regions have shaped him into the versatile and effective player he is today.
Does Deft Still Play Professionally?
Yes, Deft continues his professional career with Dplus KIA. Despite numerous years in the scene, he remains a crucial part of his team, consistently performing at a high level.
His tenure in esports spans over a decade, showcasing his unbreakable heart and dedication to the game. His continued presence in the competitive landscape reflects his passion and skill, inspiring both teammates and fans alike.
What League of Legends Tournaments Has Deft Won?
Deft has an impressive record in various tournaments. He won the 2014 Champions Korea title with Samsung Blue.
During his time with EDG, he secured victories in multiple LPL splits and international events like the Mid-Season Invitational in 2015. Most notably, Deft triumphed at the 2022 League of Legends World Championship with DRX, defeating T1 in a thrilling 3-2 grand final, marking a pinnacle in his career.
What Major Individual Achievements Has Deft Achieved?
Throughout his career, Deft has amassed several MVP awards for his outstanding performances. He earned the highest number of MVP points during his debut split in the LPL.
In addition to his team’s achievements, his reputation as one of the best AD carries in the world has been solidified by his individual accolades and his ability to consistently impact the game at the highest level.
His career is a testament to his versatility and skill as an esports player.
Does Deft Have League of Legends Skins Created After Them?
Deft’s significant impact on the game has been immortalized in the form of champion skins. Riot Games often creates special skins to commemorate achievements at Worlds, and Deft’s victory with DRX at the 2022 World Championship likely resulted in custom skins celebrating his and his team’s success.
These skins serve as a tribute to his contributions to the game and his memorable performances on the global stage.
Deft Streaming and Fan Interactions
Deft is not only known for his amazing skills in the competitive world of League of Legends, but also for his active presence and interactions with his fans through streaming. He uses popular platforms to connect with his audience, streams frequently, engages directly with fans, and provides various ways for fans to reach out to him.
Where Does Deft Stream?
Deft streams primarily on Douyu, a popular Chinese live-streaming platform. With millions of users, Douyu allows Deft to reach a massive crowd of fans across Asia.
He began streaming here to create a closer bond with his fans and to share his gaming experiences live.
Fans can watch Deft play various games, though he mostly sticks to League of Legends. His streams often attract thousands of viewers, making him a standout figure on the platform. To catch his streams, fans can simply search for his channel on Douyu and join the live sessions.
How Often Does Deft Stream?
Deft maintains a consistent streaming schedule that aligns with his professional obligations. While he has a demanding competitive schedule, he tries to stream at least a few times a month.
During off-seasons, he streams more frequently, offering fans more opportunities to watch and interact with him.
His streaming sessions usually last several hours. He provides live commentary and shares insights into his strategies. This consistency not only keeps his existing fans engaged but also attracts new followers who are interested in his gameplay and personality.
Does Deft Interact with Fans?
Yes, Deft is known for his friendly and approachable attitude towards his fans. During his streams, he actively reads and responds to comments in the chat.
This direct interaction makes his fans feel appreciated and valued.
Besides answering questions, he often shares personal stories and gaming tips. His first duo stream with Clearlove was especially popular, achieving 1.5 million views on Douyu.
This kind of interaction helps deepen the connection between Deft and his audience, making his streams more engaging and enjoyable.
How to Get in Touch with Deft?
There are several ways for fans to get in touch with Deft.
The most immediate method is through the chat on his Douyu streams. He pays attention to the chat and often responds to questions and comments in real time.
For more formal inquiries or messages, fans can reach out via social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Additionally, he is active in gaming forums and communities, where he occasionally engages in discussions. Joining these platforms and following his official accounts increases the chances of interacting with him directly.
Deft Salary Information
Deft, a seasoned professional in the League of Legends eSports scene, has accumulated significant earnings through his salary, streaming income, and brand endorsements. Below, we break down key details about his financial earnings.
How Much is Deft’s Salary?
Deft’s annual salary has been reported to be around $1.2 million, a figure confirmed by multiple sources.
This substantial income reflects his experience and success as a high-level player in both the South Korean and Chinese eSports scenes. He has been with various teams, including EDward Gaming, which paid him this amount.
His earnings underscore the lucrative nature of professional gaming, especially for top-tier players.
How Long is Deft’s Contract For?
Contract details in professional eSports can often be confidential, but typical engagements last one to three years. Given Deft’s high profile, it is likely his contracts fall within this range.
Teams in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) and League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) often seek multi-year commitments to ensure team stability and performance.
How Much Does Deft Make Streaming?
Streaming is another significant income source for Deft. His streams, particularly those in collaboration with other eSports celebrities like Clearlove, have attracted massive viewership.
One notable duo stream reached 1.5 million views on Douyu. While exact earnings from streaming can vary, high viewership and fan donations contribute significantly to his income, possibly earning thousands of dollars per session.
What Advertisers Partner with Deft?
Advertisers and sponsors see great value in partnering with Deft due to his extensive reach and influence in the eSports community.
Brands related to gaming hardware, energy drinks, and other tech products are common partners. These partnerships not only enhance Deft’s earnings but also boost brand visibility among his large, engaged audience.
The precise list of advertisers can fluctuate, aligning with current sponsorship deals and market trends.
What is Deft’s Net Worth?
Deft, a prominent League of Legends player, has established a successful career in eSports. His net worth reflects his skill and popularity in the game.
As of now, Deft has earned over $533,702 from tournaments alone. This substantial amount stems from his participation in over 50 tournaments, showcasing his consistent performance and appeal in the competitive gaming scene.
In addition to tournament winnings, Deft also receives income from sponsorships and streaming. Sponsorship deals with gaming and tech companies can significantly boost his earnings, making him one of the wealthier figures in eSports.
Considering his age, 27 years old, Deft still has the potential to increase his net worth. With continued success in tournaments and potential future collaborations, his financial prospects are promising.
For those curious about the financial landscape of eSports, eSports is a great category to look into.
Given that eSports is a fast-growing industry, Deft’s future earnings may also benefit from the increasing popularity and investment in the sector.
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