Faker Receives South Korea’s Highest Sports Honor, Standing Alongside Olympic Legends
South Korea’s esports scene has reached a historic milestone as Faker, the legendary League of Legends player, has been recognized at the same level as the nation’s most celebrated athletes. By receiving the country’s highest sports honor, this achievement sends a powerful message that esports has firmly established itself as a top-tier professional sport, while Faker’s influence has clearly gone far beyond that of a traditional pro gamer.
Faker of League of Legends and Korea’s Highest Sporting Honor
Lee Sang-hyeok, known worldwide as Faker, has become the first esports athlete to receive the Cheongryong (Blue Dragon) Sports Medal, the highest sports honor awarded in South Korea. The award ceremony took place during a New Year’s reception at Cheong Wa Dae, where President Lee Jae-myung personally presented the medal.
South Korea’s sports honors are awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of sports, promoted public health, and elevated the nation’s image on the international stage. The honors are divided into five levels: Cheongryong, Maengho, Geosang, Baekma, and Girin, with Cheongryong representing the highest distinction. Previous recipients include iconic athletes such as Son Heung-min (football), Kim Yuna (figure skating), Park Chan-ho (baseball), and Park Se-ri (golf).
This recognition marks not only a personal milestone in Faker’s career but also reflects the full acceptance of esports as a legitimate professional sport within Korean society. Faker debuted in 2013 with SK Telecom T1 and went on to become the most successful player in League of Legends history. His achievements include 10 LCK championships and an unprecedented 6 League of Legends World Championship titles. He also represented South Korea at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he helped secure a gold medal, further reinforcing esports’ role on the global sports stage.
Faker’s receipt of the Cheongryong Medal represents a defining moment that places esports proudly alongside mainstream sports. It serves as undeniable proof that success in gaming can carry national value equal to that of Olympic or world champions in other disciplines. This moment may well spark broader discussions about the future role of esports in global athletics—and who might one day follow in the footsteps of a legend like Faker.
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Source: KED Global
