Aug 13, 2026.
Fans have the opportunity to own a unique piece of esports history through the auction of a handmade chessboard played on and personally signed by League of Legends icons and rivals Faker and Chovy.
PARIS, France (August 12, 2026) -- The Esports World Cup 2026 has revealed the first ever one-of-one EWC collectible item in the form of a chessboard that was played on and signed by League of Legends icons Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon.
During the League of Legends tournament at Esports World Cup 2026, the two Korean mid-laners stepped off the Rift and brought their strategic rivalry to a different battlefield through a chess-themed content shoot. The concept connected the strategic thinking both players are known for in League of Legends with the mental discipline of chess. A handmade chess board was used by the two players who personally signed the board, creating a true one of a kind item that will never be replicated.
Now that exact chess board is being auctioned, giving one fan the chance to own the unique piece of esports history. The rivalry between Faker and Chovy is one of the most iconic in all of esports, and is now encapsulated in this exclusive chess board. The two have been at the top of the Korean and global League of Legends scene for years, with Faker seen as the greatest of all time and Chovy as the player that could eventually challenge him for that title.
The two players both have one EWC title each under their belt, and this year the two faced off in the third place match. Chovy and his Gen.G squad came out on top this time, but the real race between the two is to see who can become the first two time EWC champion.
The auction is now live on the EWC website, coinciding with the start of the Chess tournament at the Esports World Cup 2026, and running until August 31, 2026.
Included with the board is a set of premium Chess pieces, and a certificate of authenticity confirming this is the board that was used by both players during the shoot on July 14. This one of one chessboard is the first collectible of its kind created by the Esports World Cup and the first to bring Faker and Chovy together. No additional editions will be produced.
Once the auction concludes the proceeds will be split between the two organisations and the Esports Foundation. All the funds generated will be used by all three organisations to support player wellbeing initiatives, ensuring this iconic item leaves a positive impact on the esports community.
To learn more about the Esports World Cup, visit esportsworldcup.com and follow the Esports Foundation on LinkedIn.
The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game format that pits the world's top esports Clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Hosted in Paris, France, in the summer of 2026, the EWC will bring gaming and esports communities together again to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion. esportsworldcup.com
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