Kim Young-chan takes Gran Turismo 7 bronze, giving South Korea its first esports medal

South Korea Earns First Esports Medal at 2026 Asian Games With Gran Turismo 7 Bronze

South Korea has picked up its opening esports medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, thanks to Kim Young-chan, who took bronze in Gran Turismo 7. The result gives the country its first hardware of the tournament on the virtual racing front and adds to its long tradition of success in competitive gaming.

A Comeback Drive in the Middle Race

The Gran Turismo 7 finals were staged at Aichi Sky Expo Exhibition Hall D in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture. Eight drivers lined up for the medal races, with final rankings decided by the combined points total from three races rather than any single result.

Kim did not have the strongest of starts, but his middle race proved decisive. Needing to climb the order to stay in medal contention, he delivered when it mattered, banking enough points across that leg to position himself for a podium finish before the final race wrapped up the scoring.

What the Result Means

A bronze medal at an event of this scale is a significant achievement, both for Kim personally and for South Korea's esports program at these Games. With more esports events still to come in Nagoya, the medal could provide momentum for the rest of the national squad as the competition continues.

South Korea has historically been one of the powerhouses of competitive gaming, and getting on the board early in the esports program sets the tone for the events ahead.

What Happens Next

The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games continue with further esports events on the schedule, where South Korea will look to add to its medal tally. Kim's bronze stands as the team's first esports medal of the Games, with more opportunities still to come before the tournament concludes.

Source: the original publisher