The South Korean national eSports League of Legends (LoL) team has claimed its second consecutive gold medal, following the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, with a dominant performance without dropping a single set at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 tournament.

South Korea decisively defeated a formidable Taiwan team with a set score of 3-0 in the final held at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on October 2, securing the top spot.

Spearheaded by the "living legend" Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok)—who has worn the Taegeuk mark since the demonstration event at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games—and Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon, the united national team proved Asia's dominance through a three-week joint training camp and thorough strategic analysis.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Faker expressed pride in the team's successful title defense.

"I am so happy and proud that the South Korean national eSports team has achieved back-to-back gold medals," he said, attributing the victory to his teammates who did their absolute best in practice and physical conditioning within their respective roles.

In particular, Faker offered heartfelt advice to young fans who might have nurtured dreams of becoming eSports players or drawn inspiration from watching this tournament.

It was an appeal that reflected his sense of responsibility toward a healthy gaming culture as a symbolic figure in eSports.

"I hope children find what they love, pursue it with passion, and take on challenges in a fun way," he said, while adding, "As games certainly have engaging and addictive qualities, I hope they do not get excessively absorbed in them."

He added, "Since it can be difficult for young children to regulate themselves, I hope they discuss it well with their parents and enjoy games in a healthy and moderate manner."

For the final match, South Korea selected 'Zeka' Kim Geon-woo as the starting mid laner.

Watching his teammates' matches from the bench, Faker calmly remarked, "While I might have a tiny bit of personal regret about not playing directly in the final, the bigger goal of this tournament was 'the team's gold medal.'"

"Since I did my best in the role assigned to me throughout that process, I have no regrets or lingering attachments," he added.

He continued, "The flow was extremely difficult early in sets 1 and 2 due to Taiwan's fierce resistance, and I was moved watching from behind as our teammates overcame it with astonishing tenacity," emphasizing, "That kind of dramatic tenacity and competition is the true charm of sports. If the fans also gained inspiration and positive messages through this, that in itself is deeply meaningful."

Zeka, who led the 3-0 shutout victory with a dazzling performance in the final, shared the credit, saying, "There was heavy pressure and responsibility as it was my first Asian Games, but Faker gave me a lot of advice regarding champion matchups and item builds right by my side, allowing me to play comfortably. Thanks to playing while trusting my outstanding teammates, I am proud to have contributed to the consecutive titles."

'Canyon' Kim Geon-bu, who wore the Taegeuk mark for the first time alongside Zeka, also showed confidence, stating, "The process of matching synergy with players from other teams over a short period was new and fun. Because South Korean LoL is so strong, whoever plays in the next tournament will continue winning without losing."

The pride of the returning members, who combined for a second straight undefeated gold medal following Hangzhou, was immense.


'Zeus' Choi Woo-je said, "If given the opportunity, I want to challenge even for a third straight title," while 'Keria' Ryu Min-seok chimed in, "We teamed up again after a long time, and our bodies remembered it."

"I want to prove that South Korea is an eSports superpower with an undefeated streak until League of Legends goes under," they said unanimously.

Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon conveyed his overwhelming emotions, saying, "We were somewhat shaken by the opponent's early strategy centered around Taiwanese jungler JunJia, but our players' crisis-management skills are so exceptional that I believed we would win in the end. It feels like having it all, and I am truly grateful to the players."

With all tension melting away upon wearing their gold medals, the players' attention turned toward "fine dining."

Having subsisted on convenience store food, instant cooked rice (Hetbahn), and cup noodles during the tournament for doping control and physical conditioning, the team is freely deliberating over dinner menu options.

Zeus shared, "Right after it ended, everyone started talking about meat menus like yakiniku (grilled ribs)," and Faker also smiled, saying, "I've eaten convenience store food for a week, so I think I'll eat something delicious today."

To a reporter's teasing question asking, "Is Faker treating us to dinner?", Faker laughed and replied, "No comment."

Having successfully wrapped up their Asian Games schedule, the players will immediately return to their respective teams and dive into preparations for the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds) taking place in North America.

Faker solidified his resolve, saying, "I learned a lot and my passion grew even greater through the Asian Games. I will take on a new challenge by focusing on the preparation process itself rather than the results."

(Photo: Yonhap News)