League of Legends pro Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has made history yet again as the first esports player to receive the prestigious Cheongnyong Medal, the highest class of the Order of Sport Merit in the Republic of Korea.
Faker has been considered the best League of Legends player for a decade, and some fans consider him the best esports player in the world. He’s won three consecutive Worlds titles with T1, the League of Legends team he’s been a part of since 2013.
He was also the first Hall of Legends inductee, a system that recognizes the best of the best League of Legends esports players.
And those are some of his highest achievements; however, he’s been a consistent force in the League of Legends esports scene since his 2013 debut with T1, when he won his first Worlds title.
Now, Faker has been honored for his success with the Cheongnyong Medal. This is the highest class of the Order of Sport Merit in the Republic of Korea, which recognizes athletes for their dedication to their sport and how that dedication reflects positively back on the Republic of Korea and its citizens. He’s the first esports athlete to receive this medal, marking an important moment in history for all of esports.
Faker was awarded the Cheongnyong Medal at the New Year’s celebration by the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung. Fans can watch the ceremony below via YTN’s YouTube channel:
Faker also addressed fans, thanking them for their support through the years, which he says led him to his successes and, ultimately, to the honor of receiving the Cheongnyong Medal. Fans can watch his video below:
