Longtime SKT coach kkOma leaves to join LPL’s Vici Gaming

The League of Legends offseason continues to deliver seismic shifts that are reshaping competitive dynamics across major regions. The latest development represents one of the most significant coaching transitions in esports history.

According to breaking reports from ESPN, Kim “kkOma” Jeong-hyun—the legendary architect behind SK Telecom T1’s dynasty—will exit the organization to join China’s Vici Gaming. This coaching change stands as the most impactful structural shift the team could undergo, second only to potentially losing franchise player Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok.

This announcement signals the conclusion of a transformative chapter in competitive League. Since transitioning from player to coach in 2012, kkOma has been the strategic mastermind guiding SKT’s competitive direction. Throughout his tenure, he established himself as the most accomplished coach in the game’s competitive history, steering the organization to three World Championship victories, one Mid Season Invitational title, and six domestic LCK championships.

Following SKT’s elimination by G2 Esports in the 2019 World Championship semifinals, kkOma entered free agency to evaluate his professional options. His decision to join China’s LPL represents a calculated career move, particularly noteworthy given his rejection of a lucrative seven-figure contract extension from T1.

For coaches considering similar transitions, it’s crucial to evaluate team infrastructure, player development systems, and organizational commitment before accepting rebuilding projects. Common mistakes include underestimating cultural adaptation challenges and overestimating quick turnaround timelines.

kkOma’s arrival at Vici Gaming presents perhaps the most ambitious challenge of his coaching career—transforming a struggling organization into LPL contenders. During the 2019 competitive season, Vici placed 16th in spring and 15th in summer splits, compiling a combined 4-26 match record that highlights the scale of reconstruction required.

This transition represents a dramatic shift for a coach accustomed to working with championship-caliber rosters. However, the opportunity to build a competitive program from the ground up may have been precisely what attracted him to this new venture. Teams undergoing similar rebuilds typically require 2-3 splits to establish competitive foundations.

T1’s strategic response involves recruiting Kim “Kim” Jeong-soo from DAMWON Gaming to fill the coaching vacancy. Despite having significantly less tenure than kkOma, Kim brings an impressive competitive portfolio including an LCK championship with Longzhu Gaming (2017 Summer), a World Championship with Invictus Gaming (2018), and a Worlds 2019 playoff qualification with DAMWON.

For organizations managing coaching transitions, maintaining continuity in strategic philosophy while allowing for new tactical approaches is essential for sustained success. Advanced optimization involves balancing established systems with innovative adaptations.

Vici Gaming supporters are banking on the winningest coach in League history to reverse their competitive fortunes. Meanwhile, T1 fans await evidence that their organization can reclaim its former dominance under new leadership. The success of this coaching transition will be measured across multiple competitive splits rather than immediate results.

Understanding the deeper mechanics of successful coaching transitions reveals that cultural integration, player development systems, and strategic adaptation typically determine long-term outcomes more than immediate roster changes.

No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Longtime SKT coach kkOma leaves to join LPL’s Vici Gaming Legendary SKT coach kkOma departs for Vici Gaming, ending an era and reshaping League of Legends competitive landscape