A Historic Honour for an Esports League of Legends Icon
Sang-hyeok “Faker” Lee, widely regarded as the greatest of all time in League of Legends, reached another historic milestone, this time outside the game. The South Korean government officially honoured Faker with the Cheongryong or Blue Dragon Medal, the highest distinction under the Order of Sport Merit. Sa madaling sabi, ito na ang pinakamataas na parangal na maaaring matanggap ng isang atleta sa South Korea.
With this recognition, Faker became the first esports athlete in history to receive the Cheongryong Medal, placing him alongside some of the most iconic names in Korean sports. The award was formally presented on January 2 during a New Year’s reception at the Cheong Wa Dae State Guest House and was personally handed to him by President Lee Jae-myung.
In a video shared by T1, Faker expressed deep gratitude for the honour and credited his fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. Ayon kay Faker, ang medalya ay hindi lamang para sa kanya, kundi para rin sa lahat ng sumuporta at naniwala sa kanya mula pa noong simula.
What the Cheongryong Medal Represents
The Order of Sport Merit is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the development of sports, national fitness, and South Korea’s global reputation. It is divided into five levels, with Cheongryong at the top, followed by Maengho, Geosang, Baekma, and Girin.
Past recipients include football star Son Heung-min, figure skating legend Kim Yuna, baseball icon Park Chan-ho, and golf great Park Se-ri. Ngayon, kasama na rin sa listahang iyon ang isang esports legend, a clear signal that competitive gaming has reached the highest level of national recognition.
Why Faker Stands Apart
Faker’s legacy goes far beyond trophies. He made his professional debut in 2013 with SK Telecom T1 and immediately became the face of competitive League of Legends. Since then, he has built an unmatched resume, winning 10 LCK titles, two Mid-Season Invitational championships, an Esports World Cup title, and a record six League of Legends World Championship crowns.
He is the only player to win Worlds six times, claiming titles in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024, and 2025. He is also one of only eight players to successfully defend a World Championship title, and the only one to do it twice. Bukod pa rito, siya rin ang may pinakamaraming Worlds finals appearances, reaching the final eight times across more than a decade of competition.
Longevity, Leadership, and Global Impact
At 28 years old, Faker became the oldest player to win a World Championship, proving that longevity and elite performance can coexist at the highest level of esports. Domestically, no one comes close to his 10 LCK championships, a record spanning nearly a decade.
Beyond team success, Faker has earned consistent individual recognition. He has won Best Esports Athlete at The Game Awards three times, was named Worlds MVP twice, and received multiple Esports Awards, including PC Player of the Year and PC Player of the Decade. He also represented South Korea at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, helping the national team secure a gold medal.
More Than Championships
Taken together, Faker’s impact extends far beyond wins and statistics. He helped legitimise esports as a respected profession, inspired an entire generation of players, and elevated South Korea’s standing on the global esports stage.
Kaya hindi na nakapagtataka kung bakit ibinigay sa kanya ang Cheongryong Medal. It is not simply a reward for championships, but recognition of a legacy that reshaped modern competitive gaming.
