A second straight gold for South Korea

South Korea’s League of Legends team beat Chinese Taipei in the final of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, claiming the country’s second consecutive gold medal in the event. The tournament took place at Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Japan, on October 2.

The team was made up of Lee Sang-hyeok, better known by his in-game name Faker, alongside Choi Woo-je, Kim Geon-bu, Kim Geon-woo, Lee Min-hyeong and Ryu Min-seok. Their victory extended South Korea’s run at the top of the competition after the team won gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.

“I’m happy and proud that the national esports team has won gold for the second time in a row,” Faker said after the final.

Faker did not start in the gold-medal match. While he may have wished to show his skills on the final stage, he said the team’s success was the priority and that he had no regrets because he had given his best throughout the tournament.

A familiar face to fans across Asia

The atmosphere around the competition resembled a major music-star fan event. Supporters arrived early with long-lens cameras, signs and custom fans bearing Faker’s name. Some had traveled from South Korea to see him, while local Japanese fans joined them in cheering for the player.

Faker’s status is unusual even in a sport built around famous teams and personalities. An Indian player who had faced him during the tournament compared meeting him to encountering football icon Lionel Messi. The reaction reflects how esports stars can attract fans beyond their own country, much like internationally recognized athletes in traditional sports.

Faker said the support he received at the Games made him feel grateful and reminded him of the privilege of representing his country. He also observed that esports was becoming more popular across Asia, with athletes from other sports, volunteers and event staff asking to take photographs with him.

Three Asian Games, three different results

The 2026 competition was Faker’s third consecutive Asian Games appearance. He first competed in 2018, when League of Legends was a demonstration event and South Korea won silver. At the 2022 Hangzhou Games, where esports was included as an official medal sport, he won gold; the 2026 victory made him a two-time champion.

His experience gave him a role beyond competing in individual matches. As one of the team’s most seasoned players, he shared advice with teammates and helped provide guidance during the tournament. The medal, he said, was the shared achievement of a squad working toward the same goal.

The final showed why esports can feel like sport

Debate continues over whether esports should be considered a sport, and the question returned during the Asian Games as the event’s esports program evolved. There has also been uncertainty about whether esports will remain on the program at the 2030 Doha Games. No final decision is established in the account of this tournament, but the discussion highlights the challenge of securing a lasting place for competitive gaming in major multi-sport events.

Faker acknowledged that people hold different views, while arguing that the positive aspects of esports deserve attention too. He hopes competitions will continue for players and fans, giving audiences more opportunities to enjoy high-level matches.

He pointed to the first two games of the final as an example of esports’ competitive drama. South Korea faced difficult situations, but the players kept searching for a way to win. For Faker, that persistence—continuing to adapt rather than giving up when a match turns against you—is one of sport’s most compelling qualities.

What competitive gaming demands

Esports requires more than quick reactions. Players study opponents’ strategies, coordinate decisions with teammates and develop new ways to use their characters and abilities. In practice, that can resemble preparing for a team sport: players review what worked, identify mistakes and adjust their plans before the next match.

The Asian Games schedule also required changes to the competitors’ routines. League of Legends matches are often played in the afternoon, while the Games held matches during the day. Players therefore had to adjust their sleep and wake-up times so they could be ready to perform at a different hour.

  • Strategy: Teams try to anticipate opponents’ choices and make plans for different situations.
  • Coordination: Players must communicate and act together, rather than relying only on individual skill.
  • Practice and adaptation: Reviewing matches helps competitors refine their approach and respond to changing conditions.

These demands do not settle every argument about how esports should be classified. They do, however, help explain why its supporters see discipline, teamwork and resilience in competition—not simply time spent playing a game.

Faker’s message to young players: enjoy games, but keep balance

Faker also spoke about the responsibility that comes with being a role model. Children who see him compete may become interested in esports or gaming, and he encouraged them to find something they genuinely enjoy and pursue it with enthusiasm.

At the same time, he cautioned that games can be highly absorbing and may be difficult for children to regulate on their own. He advised young players to talk with their parents and enjoy games in a healthy, moderate way. The message was not to avoid games altogether, but to make room for sleep, school, relationships and other interests as well.

“I hope children find something they like and take on the challenge with passion. But games can be very immersive and addictive, so I hope they don’t get too caught up in them. When you’re young, it can be hard to manage that by yourself, so talk with your parents and enjoy games in a healthy, moderate way.”

That balance is relevant well beyond professional gaming. A hobby can be rewarding when it is part of a varied routine; it can become a problem when it crowds out responsibilities or rest. Faker’s advice reflects the same discipline that competitive players need: enthusiasm matters, but so does knowing when to step back.

From the Asian Games to the next challenge

After the tournament, Faker was due to return to his club team and prepare for the League of Legends World Championship, commonly called Worlds, which was scheduled to take place in North America. The Asian Games gold was a major achievement, but the season was not over.

Faker said the experience had taught him a great deal and made him even more passionate about the game. Rather than focusing only on the final result, he said he wanted to concentrate on preparation and approach the next challenge with the same commitment.

For South Korea, the back-to-back gold medals confirmed the team’s strength on the Asian Games stage. For Faker, the tournament added another chapter to a career shaped by international competition—and left him looking ahead with renewed motivation.