Lee Sang-hyeok, universally recognized by his moniker Faker, has been bestowed with South Korea’s most prestigious athletic accolade—the Cheongyong (Blue Dragon) Medal of the Order of Sport Merit, presented by the presidency.
This high honor acknowledges Faker’s extraordinary contributions to the professional gaming scene over the past decade and his legacy as the most dominant League of Legends competitor in history. He has achieved a historic milestone as the first esports professional to be decorated with this esteemed medal.
Held at the Cheong Wa Dae State Guest House, the ceremony celebrated Faker’s unwavering dedication to the evolution of the esports industry. Over a career spanning more than ten years, he has secured more world championship titles than any other player, shattered numerous domestic records, and become an international icon of digital sports excellence.
Following the ceremony, Faker expressed his gratitude:
“It is a profound personal honor to receive a distinction that represents the Republic of Korea. However, I could not have reached this milestone without the teammates and colleagues who have walked this path with me over the years. This achievement belongs equally to the fans whose constant support remains my greatest source of strength. I will continue to dedicate myself, both on and off the stage, to sharing positive messages and elevating the global prestige of Korean esports.”
In the eyes of the public, Faker is revered as the ultimate “good guy”—a fierce competitor who balances his mastery with impeccable integrity, a commitment to philanthropy, and a consistently humble demeanor.
Source: iXBT.games