TL;DR
- Mata transitions from legendary support player to RNG head coach after retirement
- RNG undergoes major roster overhaul with new signings and academy promotions
- Strategic player management addresses Uzi’s health concerns with Betty backup
- LPL emerges as world’s most competitive league with 17 teams in 2020
- Home World Championship adds pressure for RNG to perform domestically
In a strategic career pivot just two days following his professional retirement announcement, former T1 support legend Cho “Mata” Se-hyeong embarks on a new journey as head coach of Royal Never Give Up. This transition marks a significant evolution in his esports career, shifting from in-game leadership to strategic development.
On December 14, Mata utilized his personal Facebook platform to formalize his retirement from competitive play. During his emotional farewell, he expressed profound gratitude to the global fanbase that supported his seven-year competitive journey, while acknowledging every organization that contributed to his growth—with special mention of RNG, where he previously competed. The announcement triggered heartfelt responses from fellow professionals, celebrating his legacy as both competitor and mentor.
RNG strategically capitalized on this transition by announcing Mata’s appointment as head coach for the upcoming 2020 LPL season. His competitive pedigree includes the prestigious 2014 World Championship title with Samsung White, followed by LPL experience with Vici Gaming in 2014. The following year marked his initial RNG tenure before returning to the LCK competitive circuit.
Since rejoining the LCK in 2016, Mata secured three domestic championship titles—one representing KT Rolster and two additional victories with T1. His international experience includes representing the LCK at the 2019 Mid-Season Invitational and World Championship participation as a substitute player.
During his substitute role with T1, Mata played a crucial developmental role in mentoring rising support talent Lee “Effort” Sang-ho, who recently committed to the organization through 2021. This mentorship experience positions him uniquely for coaching, combining his player leadership with strategic insight into both LPL dynamics and RNG’s specific organizational culture.
RNG’s Strategic Roster Overhaul for 2020
RNG is executing a comprehensive competitive rebuild for the 2020 season, highlighted by the strategic acquisition of former Flash Wolves bot lane specialist Lu “Betty” Yu-Hung and rookie jungling prospect Li “Xiaolongbao” Xiao-Long. The organization further strengthened its foundation by promoting jungler Wang “S1xu” Kang-Can and mid lane talent Zhang “yuekai” Yue-Kai from Royal Club, RNG’s dedicated academy development program.
The team successfully secured contract extensions with core veterans including bot lane duo Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao and Shi “Ming” Sen-Ming, alongside mid lane mainstay Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao, ensuring strategic continuity amid transformation.
Mata begins his coaching career with a significantly reconstructed roster framework. The spring split presents ideal conditions for strategic experimentation with various player combinations and tactical approaches. RNG has established a reputation for strategic player rotation—typically not performance-based but designed to prevent competitive burnout and maintain peak condition.
Uzi’s persistent injury challenges over recent seasons necessitate careful management, with the organization deploying him selectively during critical matches. This strategic approach creates the perfect opportunity for new acquisition Betty to demonstrate his capabilities within the LPL ecosystem.
Betty’s transition to the LPL follows the organizational dissolution of Flash Wolves. He established domestic dominance throughout Southeast Asian competition and formed part of the core Flash Wolves lineup that elevated the LMS region’s international profile.
Mata faces substantial strategic challenges in his inaugural coaching season. The LPL has solidified its position as the world’s premier competitive league, capturing two consecutive World Championship titles. The league’s competitive intensity continues escalating with 16 established franchises and an additional team joining for the 2020 season.
The upcoming World Championship’s location in China adds significant pressure for RNG, as one of the region’s most popular and historically significant organizations, to secure qualification and perform strongly before their home audience. The combination of roster reconstruction, coaching transition, and heightened competitive standards creates a complex strategic environment requiring careful navigation.
Strategic Considerations for Mata’s Success:
- Integrate new players while maintaining team chemistry
- Develop strategic flexibility for different opponent types
- Manage veteran players’ health and workload effectively
- Adapt to LPL’s unique meta and playstyle characteristics
- Balance short-term results with long-term player development
The 2020 season represents not just a roster refresh but a fundamental strategic repositioning for RNG. Mata’s deep understanding of both Korean and Chinese competitive philosophies positions him uniquely to bridge strategic gaps and maximize the rebuilt roster’s potential. For comprehensive team strategy insights, explore our Complete Guide to understanding organizational transformations.
Action Checklist
- Analyze Mata’s coaching philosophy and how it integrates with RNG’s existing structure
- Monitor new player integrations and team synergy development
- Track roster experimentation during spring split matches
- Evaluate strategic adaptations to LPL’s competitive meta
- Assess player rotation patterns and burnout prevention effectiveness
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Mata joins RNG as head coach for 2020 LPL season RNG's strategic overhaul with Mata coaching and roster changes for 2020 LPL dominance