The Legends of League: Faker and Mata Together at Last
When discussing the legends of League, there are two names that immediately come to mind: Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and Cho “Mata” Se-hyeong. These two iconic players have had an understated, yet powerful rivalry for years. However, it seemed unlikely that we would ever see them team up and play together. That is, until this year.
In 2019, Faker and Mata have showcased pure artistry in their gameplay. Although they faced some initial challenges as they learned to play together as part of the T1 team, their leadership guided the team to an impressive victory against Griffin in the LCK Final. They motivated their teammates to achieve a clean sweep over the league-leading Griffin.
Now, they are setting their sights on the Mid-Season Invitational, with one goal in mind: winning the trophy for Mata. This is the one major League trophy that has eluded him, as Faker and SKT denied him that victory three years ago. This year, they have the opportunity to claim the title together.
Always Second
During the early days of organized League in South Korea, Mata was the star player. He and MVP Ozone defeated SK Telecom T2 in the semifinals of Olympus LoL Champions Spring 2013, marking the first of many encounters between the two players. However, despite Mata winning the title, all the attention was on Faker. Fans were enamored by SKT’s teenage prodigy and his impressive mechanical skills. There was no denying the greatness they saw in him.
Faker went on to live up to the hype, leading SKT to victory over MVP in the summer playoffs, and ultimately winning the Worlds. At the time, it was not guaranteed that South Koreans would dominate international events, making Faker’s success even more remarkable.
A year later, Mata secured his own Worlds victory with Samsung White, a team often considered one of the greatest in history and the only true rival to Faker’s teams. However, Faker regained his momentum and claimed multiple titles in 2015.
The defining moment in their rivalry came at MSI 2016. Mata had joined the legendary Chinese team Royal Never Give Up, and during the tournament, RNG performed exceptionally well in the group stage while SKT unexpectedly struggled. However, once Faker and his team adapted to the MSI meta, their dominance was unstoppable. When RNG and SKT faced off in the semifinals, SKT emerged victorious with a convincing 3-1 win. Mata was always second to Faker in their legendary encounters.
Starting Fresh
There was a time when it seemed we may witness more epic battles between these two legends. However, fate always favored Faker. Mata joined KT Rolster in 2017 as part of a super team but lost in the LCK playoffs to SKT. Even when KT finally achieved victory last year, it was during a weakened period for SKT. KT never truly conquered their rivals and paid the price at Worlds, where they were defeated by IG in a spectacular series.
It appeared that we would never witness a true clash between Faker and Mata, or Mata coming out on top. However, the legends had a better plan: they decided to unite. Though they have changed over the years and are no longer the young players they once were, their will to win remains unwavering.
Mata’s mechanical prowess may have diminished, but his ability to protect his carries and initiate the perfect fight for SKT is still unmatched. Faker, too, has evolved. He now focuses on playing safe champions with wave-clear and teamfighting potential, putting his team’s needs above his own ego. With the talent surrounding them on the T1 team, this strategy is proving to be successful.
Together, they have the opportunity to lead their teammates to a place they have both been before: the top of an international competition. Winning the trophy that has eluded Mata would serve as extra motivation for their journey. Ideally, they would defeat the same IG squad that ended Mata’s Worlds run last year, solidifying their status as the best team in the world and leaving a lasting legacy for a new generation of fans.
A lot has changed in League of Legends since Faker and Mata first faced each other in that playoff series six years ago. Many great players have come and gone, but these two legends remain. Their combined determination to win has never been stronger.
Keywords: esports, League of Legends, Faker, Mata, rivalry, champions, T1, LCK Final, Mid-Season Invitational, international competition, legends.