Faker becomes first esports player decorated with highest athletic honor

President Lee Jae Myung (left) shakes hands with esports star Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Faker, at a New Year's event at Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul on Jan. 2, 2026. YonhapSEOUL, January 2 (AJP) - Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Faker, has become the first esports player to receive the highest honor awarded to athletes who have made outstanding sporting achievements while promoting national reputation.

The iconic player of multiplayer online battle arena game League of Legends (LoL) was awarded the Blue Dragon Medal by President Lee Jae-myung at a New Year's event at Cheong Wa Dae on Friday.

Accepting the medal, Lee said, "I'm deeply honored to receive this medal. I could not have achieved this without the teammates who have journeyed with me."

Previous recipients include football player Son Heung-min, figure skating star Kim Yu-na and baseball pitcher Park Chan-ho, making Faker the first esports player to receive the honor.
 President Lee Jae Myung (left) poses for a photo with esports star Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Faker, at a New Year's event at Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul on Jan. 2, 2026. YonhapFaker, who turned pro with his team T1 at the age of 17 in 2013, continues to be a pivotal figure in the sport, winning ten domestic LoL championships and claiming his sixth career trophy at the LoL World Championship, the sport's biggest event, in November last year.

Known for his strict self-discipline, he enjoys immense popularity among fans, becoming a sought-after model for advertisers as well.
Seon Jae-kwan 기자 seon@economidaily.com