by Ahead of the 2022 League of Legends World Championship, T1 have removed Choi “Polt” Seong-hun from his head coach position.? ?They have also proceeded to make Bae “Bengi” Seong-woong the team’s interim coach. These changes are coming after the Korean esports organization lost the LCK 2022 Summer Grand Finals to Gen.G.?
?The squad had an immensely successful run in the LCK Spring Split and went on to break a number of records during the event. The internal change first became necessary after T1 were subject to pressure from fans owing to the team’s defeat at the 2022 Mid-Season Invitational at the hands of Royal Never Give Up.? ?T1’s most recent 0-3 loss to Gen.G did not help matters, and the team decided to move Polt from his position just a month before the LoL Worlds – one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year.
The former coach was placed in his previous position as the general manager and will be in charge of the organization’s entire League of Legends program. In his new role, he will support the T1 Rookies as well as the LCK Challengers and academy rosters.? ?
T1’s Chief Executive Officer, Joe Marsh, released an official announcement on Twitter concerning the change and thanked Polt for his prior contributions to the team.?
?“As we begin preparations for Worlds, I want to take this time to give you an important update regarding T1’s League of Legends team,” Marsh said.? ?“After much thought, consultation with players and staff, I have made the difficult decision to move Choi ‘Polt’ Seong-hun out of his position as head coach,” Marsh continued.
“I am thankful to Polt for everything he has done as he was able to shine light on a dark time during Summer 2021, and the team would not be where they are now without his efforts.”?
?Before being placed in the head coach position, Polt was the general manager of the franchise in November 2020. Over time, the former head coach took on other responsibilities as the squad’s coach and helped the team accomplish commendable feats. Under him, T1 produced an astounding 18-0 perfect performance in the Spring Split and earned another Split title.? ?
Despite the proximity of the change and the team’s 0-3 LCK Summer Grand Final loss to Gen.G, Marsh claimed that the loss had nothing to do with his decision, describing the move as more of a “gut” instinct after prolonged conversations within T1.?
?“The results of the LCK final have no bearing on my decision since I was set on making the changes no matter the result,” Marsh stated.
“I am confident that Polt will continue to help build our programs on all levels.”? ?
The CEO further announced Bengi as Polt’s interim replacement on the team.?
?“As of today, Bengi, the three-time Worlds champion and long-time member of the T1 family, will be elevated to interim Head Coach,” Marsh revealed.? ?
Marsh also announced that Kim “Sky” Ha-Neul, the head coach of T1’s rookie team, would be moved to the main team. The squad will now have three coaches, the other being Kim “Moment” Ji-Hwan.? ?
While announcing Sky, the CEO revealed that the newly promoted coach would be “an important resource” to Bengi in his new role. He is said to have been impressive in his coaching role during his tenure at the T1 Esports Academy.? ?
Bengi’s recent move is officially his first time being a head coach of T1’s main team. It is also his first position as a head coach since the T1 Challengers during the 2021 LCK CL season.?
?Marsh concluded his statement by asking for the continued support of the team’s fans while the squad moves on to Worlds.?
?“Once again, it was a tough call, and I have spoken with the players before coming to the final decision,” Marsh reiterated.
“And we are asking all T1 fans to show continued support and energy as our team comes together as 1 to win Worlds. We will do everything we can to bring back the Worlds title.”? ?
T1 are set to join Worlds 2022 and fight for their fourth title in the tournament as the second-seeded team in Korea.
