Lee Sang-hyeok, globally recognized as Faker, the most successful esports professional in League of Legends history, has been appointed an honorary police officer by the Korean National Police Agency. His new role will focus on combating cyber gambling among youth.
Faker, a six-time world champion whose career began in 2013, will act as an ambassador for the "Youth Cyber Gambling Voluntary Reporting System." He will participate in promotional materials, including videos and posters, designed to raise awareness about the dangers of online gambling and encourage reporting. The initiative aims to provide support and resources to young people struggling with gambling addiction.
"I feel honored to be appointed an honorary police officer and ambassador, and I feel a great sense of responsibility," Faker stated. "I will actively participate in ambassador activities, such as widely publicizing the dangers of cyber gambling and the voluntary reporting system to young people."
The Korean National Police Agency acting commissioner general, Yoo Jae-sung, expressed hope that Faker's positive influence would encourage young people to seek help. The reporting program, which commenced in May and is scheduled to run until August 31, has already received approximately 806 self-reports. Participants who come forward are offered counseling and a gambling addiction assessment, with the police intending to offer leniency based on factors such as the amount gambled, remorse, and treatment progress.
This appointment comes at a time when concerns over gambling's reach are growing. Globally, the World Health Organization reported in 2024 that a significant percentage of both men and women experience harm from gambling. Notably, Riot Games itself introduced betting sponsorships for its top-tier League of Legends and Valorant teams in the US and EMEA in 2025, highlighting the increasing presence of gambling-related activities within the esports ecosystem. The broader surge in sports betting popularity and the blurring lines between financial markets and gambling laws in the United States have also drawn attention from lawmakers.