«Every defeat leaves behind a sense of regret, but my greatest one is 2017, when we were runners-up at Worlds. Looking back, I often think that if I had approached it differently, perhaps the outcome would have changed,» kkOma stated in a recent conversation with OSEN.

The final of Worlds 2017 continues to be a memorable discussion point in League history. SK Telecom T1 entered the matchup as the favored champion, aiming for a fourth consecutive title. However, against Samsung Galaxy, their map control faltered, resulting in a 0-3 defeat. CoreJJ and Ruler notably led Samsung Galaxy to their win.

This marked the first occasion where Faker and T1 faced a sweeping defeat in a Worlds final, leading many to speculate about the decline of the SKT T1 dynasty. For kkOma, this loss represented more than just missing out on another trophy; it prompted a reevaluation of his strategies regarding preparation, flexibility, and player management at the elite level.

Although the past cannot be altered, kkOma has utilized those regrets as fuel for motivation. After stepping away from T1 for a few years, he returned with a renewed mission: to restore the team’s identity and mentor a new generation, alongside veteran player Faker. Under his guidance, T1 regained its signature discipline and resilience, achieving consecutive World Championships in 2023 and 2024.

This resurgence marked a pivotal moment in his career, cementing his status as one of the top coaches in League history. As he guides T1 into the 2025 Worlds finals in China, kkOma emphasizes his commitment to «stay focused until the end and avoid any regrets,» as he aims to help the team achieve an unprecedented third consecutive championship on the global stage.

T1 is set to compete against KT Rolster in the final match on November 9 in Chengdu, a clash filled with historical rivalry and emotions between two of Korea’s iconic esports organizations.