Faker joins Ronaldo and Carlsen as esports ambassador

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok will serve as a Game Ambassador for the Esports Foundation through 2028, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen in the role. The announcement positions the League of Legends legend as a representative for players at international events, leadership forums, and media engagements tied to the Esports World Cup and Esports Nations Cup.

The Ambassador Program aims to give athletes a voice in shaping the Foundation’s events. Faker’s responsibilities include advocating for player perspectives, participating in athlete initiatives, and helping connect competitors, fans, and organizations. His tenure begins next week when he leads T1 at the Esports World Cup, marking his first official engagement in the position.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation, described Faker as “the defining athlete of competitive gaming.” Reichert stated that Faker’s career—marked by discipline, excellence, and longevity—shows esports produces its own global icons. “Through EWC, ENC, and NGSC, he will help ensure the players who built this sport have a voice in shaping its future,” Reichert said.

Faker, who has spent over a decade at the top of League of Legends, called the role a continuation of his competitive career. “Competition has shaped my life, and I am proud to join the Esports Foundation as Game Ambassador,” he said. “I want to keep competing for the biggest titles with T1 while representing the players and fans who helped esports grow worldwide.”

His resume includes six World Championship titles, two Mid-Season Invitational victories, and an Esports World Cup win.

In 2026, he became the first esports athlete to receive South Korea’s Blue Dragon Medal, the country’s highest sporting honor. President Lee Jae-myung awarded it for his contributions to Korean sport and culture.

The appointment follows friction between the Esports Foundation and the Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA). In April 2026, the Foundation ended its partnership with KeSPA and announced it would contact South Korean players directly for the Esports Nations Cup. Some reports suggested the Foundation had “indirectly intervened” in player selection, with speculation pointing to Faker as the likely focus of the dispute.

KeSPA retained control over the national roster, and South Korea briefly considered withdrawing from the tournament before resolving the issue. The ambassador role now gives Faker a formal position with the Foundation, independent of national team selection. Even if KeSPA excludes him from future rosters, his involvement in Foundation events remains secure.

For many players, this offers a rare chance to influence international competitions without relying on national federations. It may change how esports athletes engage with governing bodies, particularly in regions where traditional sports structures still dominate.

Faker will begin his duties next week at the Esports World Cup, where he’ll compete with T1. The role lasts through 2028, covering multiple editions of the EWC, Esports Nations Cup, and Nations Group Stage Championship.

The Foundation has only named three ambassadors so far, but more may follow as the program grows. Updates on Faker’s activities, including his competitive schedule and ambassador work, will be shared through the Foundation’s official channels and T1’s social media.

His involvement comes as esports continues addressing governance, player representation, and sustainability challenges.

The focus remains on the upcoming tournaments.

One of gaming’s most iconic figures will help shape what comes next.