After a strong week of competition, South Korea has shown its full potential at the Asian Games. Faker and his teammates defeated each of their rivals and were crowned champions.
Faker avoids military service after winning the Asian Games
The first Asian Olympics to have League of Legends as an official discipline in the medal standings has been in the hands of South Korean athletes. With the Asian Games gold medal around their necks, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and the team celebrate their success and release from compulsory military service.
The South Korean national LoL team joined the Asian Games and completely dominated the competition. This team did not encounter any respectable competition, thanks to which South Korea could easily take the gold.
Faker, Choi “Zeus” Woo-je, Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok, Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon, Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk, and Ryu “Keria” Min-Seok are the gold medal athletes. The Korean delegation won the competition by defeating China (2-0) on the road and Taiwan (2-0) in the grand final.
Team Republic of Korea claims the gold medal in League of Legends at Hangzhou Asian Games.
Congratulations!#Hangzhou #AsianGames #Esports #LeagueOfLegends #HangzhouAsianGames #AsianGames2023 #GoldMedal @lolesports @LeagueOfLegends @LCK pic.twitter.com/5SaBJs3F45
— 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Official (@19thAGofficial) September 29, 2023
South Korea wins gold medal at Asian Games with Faker on the bench
Despite being the best-known name in the news, Faker didn’t need to make a big impression. Much of the LoL fan community was shocked that Faker had been left out of the semifinal and grand final matches at the Asian Games. Chovy, the three-time defending LCK champion, was tasked with defending the mid-lane. The Gen.G midlaner performed admirably but was overshadowed by Korean stalwarts and tournament dominators Ruler and Keria.
However, despite not playing games in the tournament’s final phase, Faker stole the show at the awards ceremony. The Korean star, who only played at the beginning of the tournament, could avoid compulsory military service in South Korea with this gold medal. As a result, neither Faker nor the other players on this team will have to quit esports. Therefore, if South Korea had not been crowned champions, Faker would have had to leave LoL for military service. Without a doubt, this would have meant his definitive retirement from esports.
2026 Asian Games
After South Korea won the Asian Games gold medal, Faker expressed his excitement. Faker also commented on his desire to compete in the next edition, 2026. The best LoL player in esports has enjoyed the Olympic Games and wants to represent his country again. Apparently, Faker wants to compete again but with more prominence. In addition, the player is hoping to end his career with another gold medal.