Faker becomes first esports player to receive Blue Dragon Medal

T1 player and League of Legends GOAT Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok has once again made history by becoming the first-ever esports player to receive the Blue Dragon Medal of Sports (Cheongryong), South Korea’s highest sporting decoration.

Faker received the Blue Dragon Medal directly from South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung

The Korean player was awarded the honor at the Cheong Wa Dae State Guest House, joining the likes of football player Son Heung-min and figure skater Kim Yuna among the Cheongryong recipients. The Medal of Sports is given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the development of sports both domestically and especially internationally. Split into five classes —Blue Dragon Medal, Tiger Medal, Geosang Medal, White Horse Medal, and Kirin Medal— Faker received the highest distinction, proving he’s one of the key representatives in the current era of South Korean elite athletes.

Debuted in 2013 with SK Telecom T1, Faker is considered the face of League of Legends esports, having won 10 domestic titles and six world championships throughout the past 12 years, with the most recent achievement being the completion of the three-peat at the 2025 LoL World Championship. He also represented South Korea as a member of the national team, winning the gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games and becoming one of the few athletes to be exempt from the mandatory military service.

“It is a great personal honor to receive this medal representing the Republic of Korea. I am able to stand here today thanks to my colleagues and teammates who have worked hard with me until now,” he said. “I hope that this medal will bring a little joy and pride to everyone who cherishes Korean esports. This would not have been possible without the support of the fans who have always been by my side.”

The T1 player has recently been completing several “side quests”, having become the new ambassador for McDonald and having met South Korea’s Prime Minister to discuss his career and the future of the esports industry.