Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok is the most successful Esports Player of all time. Despite nearing the age of thirty, he managed to win another World Championship, the sixth in his career and a third straight. All of his success has come while playing for SKT1. Today, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung awarded him a prestigious award, the Cheongnyong Medal. The medal is given to South Korean Athletes who perform exceptionally well in sporting events.
What is the Cheongnyong Medal?
South Korean Athletes earn points through winning international sporting events, with a gold medal at the Olympics awarding the most points. The medal’s criteria were created in 1972. The Cheongnyong Medal is awarded to athletes of exceptional skill who have enhanced South Korea’s status in the international sports world. Former Tottenham Hotspur Forward Son-Heung-Min did not meet the criteria but was awarded the medal after winning the Golden Boot in the 2021/2022 Premier League Season.
Faker Becomes Sets Another Record
He has become the first Esports Athlete to win the Cheongnyong Medal. The awarding of the medal shows two facets. The first is how highly South Korea values its Esports Scene. Without it, South Korea would not be as dominant in multiple Esports Titles. The other aspect is Faker’s contribution to Esports in South Korea. He is not only a household name in League of Legends, but in the gaming universe as a whole. Many people, who do not even follow League, have heard of Faker at some point.
There is No One Like Faker
Despite injury concerns and his growing older, he continues to perform. He is signed with T1 until 2029, giving fans at least four more years of the famous mid-laner. He, along with Mun “Oner” Hyeon-jun, Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyung, and Ryu “Keria” Min-seok, became the first players to win three consecutive World Championships. If you split his career in half, only his two halves can contest each other. T1 Faker managed to surpass SKT1 Faker this year, with the victory over KT Rolster in the Grand Final.
Faker continues to make waves in South Korean news and is boosting the notoriety of Esports. As the Esports world continues to grow, his contribution does as well. He is synonymous with gaming at this point. Many strive to become like him; some have come close, but many have fallen in their pursuit.
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