It looks like the SKT redemption arc is fully underway, as the team is picking up Cho “Mata” Se-hyeong to round out their roster.
안녕하세요. SKT T1입니다.
2019 시즌을 함께 할 신규 영입 선수와 코치 소개 및 안타까운 소식을 전합니다. pic.twitter.com/bUyf1auTZu
— T1 LoL (@T1LoL) November 26, 2018
This news comes after SKT would announce the first three additions to the roster. The organization has already picked up Kim “Khan” Dong-ha, Kim “Clid” Tae-min, and Park “Teddy” Jin-seong for the starting lineup. Also, the team would also acquire Kim “Crazy” Jae-hee and Kang “Haru” Min-seung as substitutes. Mata may be one of the last acquisitions of the team in terms of the roster. Also, Kim “Fly” Sang-chul will be joining the coaching staff, while Lee “PoohManDu” Jeong-hyeon and Bae “Bengi” Seong-woong depart from the team.
The Original Korean Superteam is back!
With the addition of Mata, SKT may have one of the strongest lineups in the league once again. In contrast, they are coming from the worst year in their history. In the 2018 Spring Split, they would place fourth in the regular season with a 9-9 record. Unfortunately, they would fall out of the playoffs in the second round against KT Rolster. The next season, they would do worse and finish in seventh place. Additionally, they would end up losing to Gen.G in the first round of the Regional Qualifiers, making 2018 the first year that SKT T1 would not make Worlds.
The roster SKT T1 would field was also quite underwhelming, with the team bringing up substitutes to the starting lineup. However, it looks like the SKT T1 is making all the stops to keep Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok. There were multiple rumors speculating that he may leave if SKT didn’t make any changes to the roster. His legacy as the best player in the world was on the line, and it wouldn’t have been surprising if he joined another organization. Therefore, SKT T1 brought in some of the best players in the region to earn the Korean crown back.
Meet the new-look SKT T1!
Mata is joining an All-Star cast of players on the organization. In the top lane, they have Khan, who is widely considered a top two top laner in the region. In the jungle, the team has Kim “Clid” Tae-min, a 19-year-old phenom coming from JD Gaming in Korea. He may split time with Haru, who was the jungler for that longtime Samsung Galaxy/KSV/Gen.G roster. For their midlaner, they have Faker, who will be looking to prove himself once more.
Their bottom lane now consists of Teddy and Mata, which could incredible given the right circumstances. Teddy is a young ADC with tons of potential, coming from a Jin Air Green Wings squad where he was the best player. Mata is a perfect addition to this roster because he can provide veteran leadership that Faker may not be able to give as effectively. Across the board, this lineup should win every tournament they enter, on paper. The only problem that people can see right now is how the individuals will mesh together. Many superteams have not worked out before, so hopefully, the coaching staff can make sure the transition is smooth for everyone.
What are your thoughts on Mata joining SKT T1? Let us know what you think in the comments below! If you want more League of Legends coverage, check us out here!
