Faker makes history, now a professional athlete

On January 2, 2026, South Korea witnessed a historic moment: Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, regarded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time, received the Cheongnyong (Blue Dragon) Medal, the nation’s highest sports honor. With this recognition, Faker becomes the first esports athlete to earn a distinction that had previously been reserved for Olympic gold medalists and world champions in traditional disciplines.

The Ceremony and Its Meaning

The award was presented in an official ceremony led by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who highlighted Faker’s career as both a cultural and sporting icon. The Blue Dragon Medal symbolizes excellence, discipline, and contribution to national prestige, and its granting to a professional video game player marks a paradigm shift in the perception of esports.

Examples of Previous Recipients

The importance of Faker’s recognition becomes clearer when reviewing who has received this medal in the past:

• Kim Yu-na (figure skating): Olympic champion in Vancouver 2010, national icon and global reference.
• Jin Jong-oh (sport shooting): multiple Olympic gold medalist in London 2012 and Rio 2016.
• Hwang Young-cho (marathon): Olympic gold medalist in Barcelona 1992, considered one of the country’s great sports heroes.
• Chun Lee-kyung (short track speed skating): four-time Olympic gold medalist in Lillehammer 1994 and Nagano 1998.

Why Faker?

• Unique record: six world titles with T1 in League of Legends.
• Global impact: an icon who brought esports to massive audiences and solidified Korea as a global powerhouse.
• Sports legitimization: his recognition opens the door for competitive gaming to be considered on equal footing with other sports.

Reactions and Debate

The news sparked excitement in the gaming community and international media, which described it as a historic precedent. However, it also opened debate among more traditional sports sectors, questioning whether esports should share the same level of recognition as physical disciplines.

A Before and After

Beyond the controversy, Faker’s recognition confirms that esports are no longer a marginal phenomenon but a consolidated cultural and sporting industry. South Korea, a pioneer in this field, sends a clear message: the talent, discipline, and social impact of professional players deserve to be celebrated at the same level as Olympic athletes.

Faker elevates esports to the Olympic level.