Abdulaziz "OniiKhan" Al-Mubarak, mid laner and captain of Saudi Arabia's League of Legends (LoL) national team, expressed his anticipation for a matchup against Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok. While facing any player would be a meaningful experience, he voiced his hope to play against Faker at least once.
Speaking with Inven on October 1 ahead of their semifinal match against South Korea at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, he reflected on being shocked by the skill gap against Korea during the previous games in Hangzhou. Since then, he said, they have worked hard to narrow that gap, and he wants to show how much the Saudi national team has improved in this tournament.
He also expressed his gratitude toward the Korean national team. Mentioning the players' kindness in greeting them first at the hotel and venue, he nevertheless made it clear that he wants to beat Korea in the match. After concluding the interview, he left an additional message for Korean fans, inviting them to visit esports events held in Saudi Arabia.
You're facing South Korea once again. What kind of performance do you want to show?
" When we first faced Korea at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou, I was shocked comparing their performance to ours. Ever since then, we've been working hard to surpass Korea. In this tournament, I want to show how much we've improved and what kind of gameplay we are capable of. I hope we can win the best-of-three match against Korea.
Do you have any special strategies prepared against South Korea?
" Yes, we do. However, since it's before the match, I can't reveal it right now. I'll be able to talk about it after the match.
You will be facing South Korea's mid laners. How do you feel about that?
" I want to play against Faker. At the last tournament, I played against Chovy. Both Zeka and Faker are definitely legendary players. Facing either would be a meaningful experience for me, but I really want to play against Faker at least once.
If you do play against Faker, how do you plan to approach the game?
" I think I'll play very aggressively. I want to catch Faker off guard, and if I get the chance, I'd love to get a solo kill on him.
Is there anything you would like to say to the Korean fans reading this interview?
" We really like the South Korean national team. The players are always polite and kind. They always greet us first at the hotel and the venue, so we're very grateful for their kindness.
I also know that the Korean players carry a lot of pressure. I know that the fans are watching them and are passionate about the games. To the Korean fans, of course I want to tell you to cheer for your national team—that's your right. But we hope we can beat Korea.
What was the additional message you wished to share with Korean fans after finishing the interview?
" Saudi Arabia hosts a tournament called EWC every year. We do see Korean fans there, but not that many yet. Faker attends this tournament as well.
I know that esports is very popular in Korea and that KeSPA does a fantastic job. The Saudi Esports Federation is also doing great work, not just in LoL, but across all esports.
I hope more Korean fans will visit Saudi Arabia to see for themselves what kind of tournaments and environments we have built. There are many events worth visiting. You are always welcome.
