- Faker becomes the first esports athlete to receive South Korea’s highest sports medal.
- His sustained dominance in League of Legends translated individual success into global prestige for South Korea.
- The award signals deeper institutional support for esports and reinforces Korea’s leadership in the global gaming industry.
Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok becomes the first esports athlete in history to get awarded with South Korea's highest athletic award, the Cheongnyong (Blue Dragon) Medal, during a state ceremony on Jan 2, 2026. President Lee Jae-myung personally honored Faker at the Cheong Wa Dae's Yeongbin Hall (Blue House) at the government's annual New Year event.
Faker South Korea Award: Historic Recognition for Esports
The Cheongnyong (Blue Dragon) Medal is the highest award in the Order of Sports Merit's five categories. The title is typically given to athletes whose accomplishments have considerably improved South Korea's global sporting profile and public image. Numerous Olympic and world champions of the country have received the award, like figure skater Kim Yuna, footballer Son Heung-min, and baseball pitcher Park Chan-ho.
Faker's award is a symbolic shift in how the Korean government classifies competitive gaming, placing esports alongside long-standing physical sports. Analysts believe it reflects the evolution of esports into a recognized arena of national success.
Legacy Built on World Titles and National Pride
Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, 30, made his professional debut in 2013 with SK Telecom T1 (now T1). Over the course of more than a decade, the popular esports athlete has redefined the sector, while also participating in League of Legends multiple times, earning what many believe to be esports' most distinguished career. Faker’s achievements include six World Championship victories, including a historic three-peat from 2023 to 2025, and 10 local LCK crowns.
Faker also competed for South Korea at the Asian Games 2022 (held in 2023), winning the gold medal in Hangzhou. This milestone accelerated greater adoption of esports within the country's national sports policy while excusing him from compulsory military service, a rare decision taken by the authorities.
Presidential Commendation for Faker
President Lee Jae-myung presented Faker with the Cheongnyong Medal, citing his "outstanding meritorious services" in improving Korea's global reputation in professional gaming. Faker also expressed gratitude, stressing that teamwork and community support helped him reach this far.
According to a popular Korean publication, the esports star said, "It is a huge honor to receive a medal that represents the Republic of Korea. I could not be here without the teammates and fans who have run alongside me. I hope this recognition brings pride to everyone who cherishes Korean esports."
Additionally, his agency, Fanable, stated, “This medal is an encouraging milestone that has once again impressed upon the world the status of South Korea as a leading esports nation. We find it very meaningful that Lee Sang-hyeok’s historic journey has been honored as the pride of Korean esports.”
Industry Implications After Faker Receives Highest Sports Award of South Korea
South Korea's esports industry is estimated to be worth ₩256.95 billion (~ $ 178 million USD) by 2023, as reported by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), a government entity under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
According to Statista, South Korea’s esports market is predicted to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.12%, reaching around $432.4M by 2030. This growth is largely attributed to the competitive gaming sector’s robust infrastructure, added with professional leagues and media coverage that promote it.
The award may have a profound effect on esports governance and athlete support systems of the country. Recognition of esports at the national sport level might have an impact on the sector’s funding, training infrastructure, and global diplomatic standing, noting its current billion-dollar worth worldwide.
For South Korea’s esports industry, domestic revenue is primarily supported by sponsorships, media rights, and merchandising. The country remains one of the world's top regions for esports viewership and professional standards. Therefore, collectively, industry observers believe that state-level approval of South Korea, combined with these stats, reinforces the country’s status as a global esports superpower.
