Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has been formally awarded the Cheongyeong Medal by President Lee Jae-myung at South Korea’s New Year reception on January 2, 2026. This decoration is the nation’s highest sporting honour and Faker is the first esports athlete to receive it, a milestone that recognises competitive gaming as part of Korea’s elite sporting culture.
The Cheongyeong Medal sits at the top of South Korea’s Medal of Sports system, which is handed to athletes who reach the pinnacle of global competition. Past Cheongyeong recipients include household names from traditional sports, and Faker now joins that group, signaling formal state recognition of esports achievements.
Faker’s citation reflects an extraordinary competitive record. In 2025 he secured his sixth League of Legends World Championship and reached several individual milestones, including becoming the first player to exceed 1,000 kills in international tournaments. Those achievements and a calendar of high-profile wins helped make the case for public commendation.
Beyond trophies, Faker’s influence extends into culture and commerce. The player’s global profile has led to major brand collaborations and industry awards, reinforcing esports’ commercial legitimacy at home and abroad. The state honour is likely to accelerate corporate and institutional acceptance of esports and could encourage more formal pathways for pro players, such as public funding, training programmes, and greater media recognition.
What this means for the wider ecosystem is concrete. Recognition at the presidential level reduces stigma, helps professionalise athlete support systems and raises the bar for national governing bodies to integrate esports into broader sporting policy. For fans and aspiring players, the award is both validation and a signal that esports can offer a recognised, respected career path.
The Cheongyeong Medal for Faker is a historic moment that ties esports more closely to national sporting identity. It will be important to watch how Korean sports authorities, sponsors and educational institutions respond in the coming months, and whether other governments follow with similar recognitions. For now, Faker’s achievement stands as a landmark: elite competitive success acknowledged at the highest level.