Faker Lee Sang-hyeok Shares Secrets to E-Sports Success at 2024 KeSPA Global Esports Forum

‘Faker‘ Lee Sang-hyeok attended the forum on the 15th. Photo = Reporter Kim Young-gun

‘Faker’ Lee Sang-hyeok was present at an e-sports forum and explained the factors that helped him become the best player.

The Korea Esports Association held the second day of the ‘2024 KeSPA Global Esports Forum in Seoul’ at Pi Factory Studio in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 15th. In the first part of the forum, the case study of establishing the management system of the Korean national e-sports team, the study of the experience of e-sports players at the Hangzhou Asian Games, and the development direction of the Olympic e-sports competition were discussed. .

Hong Hee-jung, a professor of physical education at the University of Stirling in England who studied the experience of e-sports players at the Asian Games, said, “They provided a lot more than just training. After intense training for a short time, my physical strength was exhausted. There were players who mitigated this problem to some extent with the help of the Korea eSports Association. “I also confirmed my pride as a national representative,” he said: “The Hangzhou Asian Games was an event where e-sports was more recognized by the public. “It is important to build a strong and strong system,” he said firmly. .

‘Faker’ Lee Sang-hyeok, who participated in Professor Hong’s research, said, “E-sports is an emerging sport. Research is still lacking. “As an athlete representative, I wanted to help with research,” he said. “It was really fun talking to athletes from other sports, including Kim Yeon-kyung (in a private forum).

Regarding attending the forum on this day, Lee Sang-hyuk said, “I think you should definitely come. I always want to attend big events. “I didn’t know if I was doing it in front of so many people, but I think it was a meaningful event,” he said.

Lee Sang-hyuk said of the Hangzhou Asian Games, “When I first became a professional player, I was an ordinary student who loved games. Being a member of the national team felt like a world away from home. There were also differences with the team they belonged to. “It was a tournament that was very important when I was looking at e-sports as a whole,” he said “I want to participate in any tournament that can rank e- promote sports.” But I think people want to see a winning game. “I will attend if I have the skills and qualifications,” he said.

‘Faker’ Lee Sang-hyeok attended the forum on the 15th. Photo = Reporter Kim Young-gun

As a way to overcome the stress of competitions, Lee Sang-hyuk says, “I think about ‘how can I reduce the stress?’ Instead of wanting to achieve good results, I think I am grateful to have such an opportunity. “I felt the same way at Worlds,” he said, “There are a lot of variables in a game. You may be lucky, or you may be bad. No matter how well you prepare, your performance is not commensurate. “I tried to accept it as much as I could and stay calm,” he said.

When asked the secret to staying at the top, Lee Sang-hyuk said, “Passion comes first. If I thought it was weird, I wouldn’t have come this far. I have a strong desire to do well. I didn’t read when I was at school, but I learned to read while I was playing. I always worry about how I can do better. “I think it all came from my passion,” he replied.

He said, “At the end of the day, passion matters. “It’s not something anyone can help,” he said “Physical strength is also important. Even if you have a passion, there will be times when your body will not follow suit. “The key is to maintain good physical and mental health,” he said.

Regarding health management, Lee Sang-hyuk said, “I exercise regularly. But, because I have an injury, I am not active in it,” he said. “In other sports, the environment is systematically prepared.” In esports, that is up to the individual player. “Yes I intend to be more specific,” he said.

Finally, Lee Sang-hyuk said, “We ask for your interest and love in e-sports. Personally, I will think about how to do better. “I will work hard at my job,” he said.