Country Turns To Gaming Legend To Counterplay Online Gambling Epidemic
South Korea has experienced a significant rise in online gambling, particularly among young people who have reportedly resorted to extreme measures including taking loans to fund their betting habits. To combat this growing epidemic, authorities have enlisted one of esports’ most legendary figures: Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok), a professional League of Legends player.
Faker, who plays for team T1, has been appointed as an “ambassador for cyber-gambling prevention” and an honorary Korean police officer. His appointment reflects his unprecedented influence in the gaming and sports world—he holds a record six League of Legends World Championship titles, including three consecutive titles from 2023 to 2025 achieved in an undefeated stretch. His cultural impact was further validated when Time magazine included him in their 2026 list of most influential people in sports.
The irony of recruiting an esports figure for gambling prevention comes in the context of Riot Games embracing “betting sponsorships” for League of Legends competitive play just a year prior. This move highlights the complex relationship between esports, gambling, and youth engagement in competitive gaming environments.