Lee Sang-hyeok, the League of Legends legend known as "Faker," credited his teammates after South Korea's national esports team won its second consecutive Asian Games gold medal in the game. "It's thanks to teammates who gave their best in practice and condition management, each in their own role," he said.
The team swept Taiwan 3-0 in the final on the 2nd, taking gold at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games after winning at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Led by Faker — a living legend who has worn the national colors since the game was a demonstration event at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games — and head coach Kang Dong-hoon, the tightly knit squad proved itself Asia's strongest on the back of three weeks of team training and thorough analysis of its opponents.
Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Faker said he was "so happy and proud that the Korean national esports team has won back-to-back titles." He also offered heartfelt advice to the children who may have been inspired to dream of becoming esports players while watching the tournament.
"I hope children find what they love and take on challenges with passion and enjoyment," he said. "But games clearly have an immersive and addictive quality, so I hope they don't get too caught up in them."
He added, "When you're young it can be hard to control yourself, so I hope you talk it over with your parents and enjoy games in a healthy and moderate way."
For the final, South Korea started Kim Geon-woo, known as "Zeka," as its mid laner. Faker, who watched his teammates from the bench, spoke calmly about the decision. "Personally there may be a little regret about not playing in the final myself, but the bigger goal of this tournament was a gold medal for the team. I did my best in the role I was given, so I have no regrets or lingering attachment."
"The first and second sets were very difficult early on because of fierce resistance from Taiwan, and I was moved watching from behind as the players overcame it with remarkable determination," he said. "That kind of dramatic determination and competition is the true appeal of sports. If fans drew inspiration and a positive message from it, that alone makes it very meaningful."
