League of Legends GOAT Faker Joins South Korean Police Campaign Against Youth Gambling

Faker, widely regarded as the greatest League of Legends player in the history of the video game, is joining forces with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) to support its campaign to combat youth gambling.

This week, the KNPA named Faker, born Lee Sang-hyeok, as an honorary police officer. In the role, the 30-year-old Seoul native will assist in the national law enforcement agency’s mission to help young people understand the dangers of online gambling.

“The living legend of League of Legends, Faker has been appointed as an honorary police officer and will serve as the promotional ambassador for voluntary reporting of youth cyber gambling,” the KNPA posted to its social media channels.

Faker has won the League of Legends World Championship a record six times. His trophy case also includes 10 League of Legends championships in South Korea.

Faker’s annual salary for being a member of the T1 esports team is around $7 million. His net worth is estimated as high as $50 million.

Esports and Gambling Blurred

The line between esports, or competitive video gaming, and gambling has blurred over the past two decades.

From esports betting, where bettors bet on the outcomes of matches and tournaments, and peer-to-peer wagers, to controversial in-game loot boxes, which critics claim mimic the psychological rush of playing slot machines, gambling has become interwoven in the fabric of video game culture. In June 2025, Riot Games, the developer and publisher of League of Legends, began accepting esports betting sponsorships.

Asia is the hub of the esports world, with Korea and China being the undisputed epicenter. The two countries are estimated to drive about 60% of the worldwide esports industry, with the Korean and Chinese governments heavily backing the sector.

In Korea, the government funds the Korea eSports Association, which oversees, regulates, and promotes esports in South Korea. Numerous corporations in Korea, including SK Group, Kia, Samsung, LG, and Hanwha, spend heavily on esports marketing and sponsorships.

The merging of esports and gambling has led to some young people developing gambling problems, losing their parents’ money, and becoming exposed to risky behaviors.

Youth Gambling Help Resource

In May, the KNPA launched its Youth Cyber Gambling Voluntary Reporting System, which encourages young people to report themselves for gambling. Those who self-report receive a gambling addiction assessment by a trained professional and ongoing counseling if needed.

The KNPA reports that the youth cyber gambling initiative fielded 806 intakes through July 16. The program runs through the end of August.

“For youth cyber gambling, it is important to detect it before the problem deepens and to promptly begin counseling and treatment. We hope Faker’s positive influence will instill the courage in young people who need help to report without hesitation,” said Yoo Jae-sung, acting commissioner of the KNPA.

Faker has more than 2.7 million followers on Instagram.