"It Will Be Different From Hangzhou": Saudi Captain Issues Challenge to Faker

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리그 오브 레전드 League of Legend : Clash of Fates
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Abdulaziz "OniiKhan" Al-Mubarak, mid laner and captain of the Saudi Arabia League of Legends (hereafter 'LoL') national team, expressed his anticipation for a matchup against Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok. While facing any opponent would be a meaningful experience, he voiced his desire 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. While 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 match 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 face Faker, how do you plan to play the match?

" 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 against him.

What would you like to say to the Korean fans reading this interview?

" We really like the Korean national team. The players are always polite and friendly. They always greet us first at the hotel or venue, and we're grateful for their kindness.

I also know that the Korean players carry a lot of pressure. I know the fans are watching them and are passionate about the matches. To the Korean fans, I naturally want to say that you should cheer for your national team—that is your right. But we hope we can beat Korea.

What was the additional message you wished to share with Korean fans after concluding the interview?

" In Saudi Arabia, we host a tournament called the EWC every year. We do see Korean fans there, but not that many yet. Faker also attends this tournament.

I know esports is hugely popular in Korea and that KeSPA (Korea e-Sports Association) is doing a great job. The Saudi Esports Federation is also doing fantastic work not only for LoL, but for esports as a whole.

I hope more Korean fans visit Saudi Arabia to see firsthand what kind of tournaments and environment we have built. There are many events held here that are well worth visiting. You are always welcome.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated with the help of AI. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom. [Read Original]