Despite a common perception that dismisses esports as a mere pastime, Korea’s most celebrated esports athlete, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, offers a compelling counterargument. Following the Korean League of Legends (LoL) national team’s gold medal triumph at the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games, Faker shared his insights. The team clinched a dominant 2-0 victory over Taiwan in the finals, solidifying their title of champions and securing a coveted exemption from military service.

Interestingly, LoL was introduced as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. Its competitiveness and immense popularity led to its recognition as a medal event in the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games. However, debates surrounding military service exemptions for gold medalists continue to cast shadows over this recognition.

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During a post-victory press conference in Hangzhou, a reporter posed a pointed question to Faker about the legitimacy of esports, essentially asking, “Is esports really a sport?” Faker confidently responded, emphasizing the positive influence esports have on individuals. 

He said, “When people think of sports, they often envision intense physical activity. But I believe the real essence of a sport lies in the positive impact it has on individuals during the rigorous process of competition and preparation. If the competitive element serves as an inspiration to people, that, in my opinion, captures the true essence of a sport.”

Netizens lauded Faker for his eloquent response

Like any other sport, LoL demands constant effort and training, especially with the need to learn new champions and strategies in an ever-evolving meta. Through this perspective, it’s clear that LoL meets the criteria of a sport. Faker candidly addressed those who harbor negative views about esports.

Recognizing LoL‘s status as one of Korea’s most popular games, Faker suggested parents use LoL matches to bridge the generation gap. He suggested that watching LoL matches with children could offer a unique bonding experience, even if the older generation might not fully grasp the game’s intricacies. This approach not only promotes understanding and acceptance of esports and fosters shared experiences between generations.

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Korean netizens lauded Faker for his eloquent response. Comments ranged from acknowledging the truth in his words, praising his articulation, to even considering watching LoL matches with their children based on his suggestion. Many expressed that people need to adapt to the changing world, and some felt the reporter’s question stemmed from genuine curiosity rather than malice.

Faker‘s words resonated with many, further solidifying his position as not just an esports icon, but also a thought leader in the industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Faker is a very talented player and a thought leader in esports. Source: X/@faker.