The Esports Foundation has named League of Legends icon Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Faker, as the official Game Ambassador for both the Esports World Cup (EWC) and the Esports Nations Cup (ENC), a role he will hold through 2028.
Ambassador role
Nicknamed the god of the computer game League of Legends, Faker joins football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and chess world champion Magnus Carlsen in the ambassador program.
The South Korean professional player will bring the voice of esports players to the foundation’s global events, player initiatives, media platforms and leadership discussions, with a focus on strengthening relationships among players, fans and organizations.
“You can’t talk about esports without mentioning Faker. He is the defining athlete of competitive gaming: a champion whose excellence, discipline and longevity have inspired an entire generation,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation, in a statement. “As our Game Ambassador, Faker represents something fundamental to the Ambassador Program: esports creates its own global sporting icons. Across EWC, ENC and NGSC, he will help ensure that the players who built this sport have a voice in shaping where it goes next.”
Faker said the ambassador role represents an opportunity to continue contributing to the esports community while pursuing new achievements with T1. “Competition has shaped my life, and I am proud to join the Esports Foundation as Game Ambassador. I want to continue competing for the biggest titles with T1 while representing the players and fans who have helped esports grow worldwide. Through the Esports World Cup, Esports Nations Cup and the Foundation’s wider platforms, I hope to inspire the next generation to pursue excellence, remain resilient and believe in how far competitive gaming can take them. There is still much more to achieve.”
The announcement comes as Faker and T1 prepare for the EWC 2026 in Paris, where he will look to reclaim the title he won at the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2024. Now in its third year and the first to be held outside Saudi Arabia, the seven-week event features 25 tournaments across 24 game titles and a record-breaking $75 million prize pool.
The Faker legacy
Over a career spanning more than a decade, Faker has built one of the most decorated resumes in esports history. His achievements include six League of Legends World Championship titles, two Mid-Season Invitationals, and 10 domestic league titles.
Beyond his competitive success, Faker has become one of South Korea’s most recognizable sporting figures. Earlier this year, he became the first esports athlete to receive the Blue Dragon Medal, the country’s highest sporting honor awarded by President Lee Jae-myung, recognizing his contributions to Korean sport and culture.
Faker’s influence also extends well beyond gaming. With his new ambassadorial role, he is set to play an even greater part in shaping the future of esports, both inside and outside the competition arena.
