Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok to represent South Korea at Asian Games
Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok, the renowned mid laner player for T1, is confirmed to represent South Korea at the upcoming 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. However, his recent injury troubles may raise doubt about his participation in the tournament.
Esports inclusion in the Asian Games
The Asian Games presents an historic development, adding esports tournaments to their official program as medal events for the first time. This inclusion considerably heightens the overall stake of the competition. Seven games including League of Legends, Dota 2, and Street Fighter V are set to be official esports competitions.
Countries from across Asia are gearing up to send their strongest players to Hangzhou, leading to escalating excitement amongst the League of Legends community. The tournament serves as a precursor to the Worlds 2023 event.
Faker's return and the South Korean team
Despite earlier concerns regarding his recent wrist problems, Faker is included in South Korea’s six-man lineup for the Asian Games. T1 witnessed a slump in their performance in the LCK Summer Split when Faker was absent for four weeks. However, the team's fortunes took a positive turn upon his return, resulting in them finishing the playoffs in second place and securing automatic qualification for Worlds.
Faker will be attending his first world championship in South Korea since missing the 2014 and 2018 events. With a fourth Worlds trophy in his sights, his availability for national representation stays in question.
Currently, Faker remains a part of South Korea’s national team for the Hangzhou Games and has participated in a preparation match recently. Additionally, he took part in the match the following day when South Korea beat Taiwan 2-0.
It is highly anticipated that Faker will be sharing playing time with Jeong ‘Chovy’ Ji-hoon, another mid laner for the South Korean team assembled by national coach Kim ‘kkOma’ Jeong-gyun, who was named the LCK Summer 2023 Finals MVP.
The South Korean six-man squad includes three T1 players – Faker, top laner Choi ’Zeus’ Woo-je, and support Ryu ‘Keria’ Min-seok – for the Asian Games. After scoring second place against China at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, Faker has expressed his goal to enhance his performance in Hangzhou.
The League of Legends tournament at the 2022 Asian Games is scheduled to run from September 25 to 29. With this tournament wrapping up just two weeks prior to the start of Worlds 2023, it's a busy period ahead for the players.