Look Sports Media – Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok, the legendary mid-laner for T1, has etched his name into history once more, becoming the inaugural esports athlete to be bestowed with South Korea’s prestigious Cheonyeong Medal. This monumental recognition, the nation’s highest honor for contributions to physical education and national prestige through sport, marks a pivotal moment for competitive gaming globally.
The Cheonyeong Medal stands at the pinnacle of the Order of Sport Merit, reserved for individuals whose athletic achievements profoundly elevate South Korea’s global standing and inspire its populace. This unparalleled accolade arrives on the heels of T1’s historic ‘threepeat’ at the 2025 League of Legends World Championship, a triumph that solidified Faker’s personal tally of Worlds titles to an astonishing six.
Known colloquially as the ‘Blue Dragon’ Medal, this esteemed decoration is typically reserved for elite athletes who have achieved Olympic gold or secured a World Championship in their discipline. Historically, its recipients have predominantly been Olympic, World Championship, or Asian Games gold medalists, underscoring the extraordinary caliber of achievement it represents. While exceptions exist, such as football icon Son Heung-min, who received the honor for his Golden Boot-winning Premier League season in 2021-22 despite not having an Olympic or World Championship gold, Faker’s credentials are beyond dispute. Indeed, the ‘Unkillable Demon King’ needed no special dispensation; his instrumental role in T1’s third consecutive Worlds victory in 2025 unequivocally cemented his status as the undisputed greatest player in League of Legends history.
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Expressing profound gratitude upon receiving the medal, Faker remarked, "It is a tremendous honor to be recognized for representing the Republic of Korea. This achievement is a testament to my colleagues and teammates who have journeyed alongside me. I sincerely hope this decoration brings a measure of joy and pride to everyone invested in Korean esports. Such milestones would be unattainable without the unwavering support of our dedicated fans. We are committed to consistently delivering a positive message, both within the game and beyond, and to further elevating the global standing of Korean esports."
His agency, Fanable, echoed this sentiment, stating, "This award serves as an inspiring landmark, reaffirming South Korea’s position as a formidable esports powerhouse on the global stage. We believe it holds immense significance that Lee Sang-hyuk’s historic accomplishments have been celebrated with an honor that embodies the pride of Korean esports."
This recognition further solidifies the undeniable cultural impact of esports within South Korea, a nation where League of Legends broadcasts are not only commonplace on terrestrial television but also featured on major streaming platforms like Disney+, which notably streamed the 2025 KeSPA Cup.
With their successful offseason campaign at the KeSPA Cup now concluded, T1 and Faker are poised to return to competitive play in the LCK Cup, commencing January 14. All eyes will be on the legendary mid-laner as he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in professional gaming.
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