Mata returns to T1 as a Coach for LCK 2025 roster
2014 Worlds Champion and the only player to win MVP as a support, Cho “Mata” Se-hyeong, has returned to T1 after five years. He has signed a multi-year contract with the organization.
This move reunites Mata with 2019 SK Telecom T1 team member Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and Head Coach Kim “kk0ma” Jeong-gyun. Alongside Im "Tom" Jae-hyeon and Head Coach kk0ma, Mata will form the coaching staff for the defending 2024 Worlds Champions as they head into the next season.
Mata - From Enemy to Friend
Starting his career in 2013, Mata quickly rose to prominence as one of the best support players in the world with MVP Ozone. The team later became Samsung White, which qualified for Worlds 2014 after defeating SK Telecom T1 K in the Korea Regional Finals.
Mata wins the Worlds 2014 MVP with Samsung White (credits: Riot Games)Mata and his teammates went on to win the 2014 World Championship, where he was crowned MVP—an achievement that remains unmatched, making him the only support player to win the prestigious Worlds MVP title.
Following his time with Samsung White, Mata played in various regions but did not achieve significant results. He joined SK Telecom T1 in 2018, where he contributed to the team’s victories in the LCK Spring and Summer splits in 2019.
However, the team fell short on the international stage, finishing 3rd-4th at both MSI and Worlds 2019. That year marked the end of Mata's career as a full-time player.
MVP to Coach
For the 2020 season, Mata transitioned to a coaching role, joining RNG in the LPL. After a disappointing season, he stepped away from professional League of Legends to complete his mandatory military service.
Mata made his return to competitive LoL as an analyst for the LCK, a role he held for roughly five months before accepting a coaching position with Gen.G. During his tenure, he also served as a substitute for the team.
Signing Mata to T1’s coaching staff brings a seasoned veteran to the team—one who has defeated T1 both as a player and a coach. His experience, combined with kk0ma and Tom’s leadership—fresh off a Worlds 2024 victory—positions T1 strongly for the upcoming competitive LCK season. With ambitious rosters across the league vying for international glory, T1’s preparation and expertise could prove decisive.
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Featured Image Credits: Michal Konkol/Riot Games
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