Sources: SK Gaming to continue with OWN3R as head coach for 2026

SK Gaming have decided to renew their trust in head coach David "OWN3R" Rodriguez de la Torre for the 2026 season, according to sources close to Sheep Esports. From the start of offseason talks, SK’s priority was to renew his contract, showing trust in his ability to guide the club’s project in a new direction next year.

Being one of the first clubs eliminated from the LEC this year, SK Gaming now wants to restart the engine by placing its trust in a familiar face from within the organization. His mission will be to lay the foundations of a sporting project meant to last longer than this year’s effort. Indeed, SK Gaming entered each split of 2025 with a different roster, only to finish in the bottom two every time.

OWN3R will have a central role in shaping SK Gaming’s upcoming roster, with the organization already being one of the most active LEC teams in offseason discussions as they have been one of the first team this year two be eliminated from the LEC Summer Split, ending in 9-10th place all-year long. SK are inquiring about multiple players across the region and closely monitoring their availability to assemble a new lineup.

In a recent appearance on Al Lío, OWN3R emphasized that his evolution as a head coach in 2025 went beyond the technical side of the game. He explained that he has focused on strengthening team dynamics, ensuring players share the same vision, and fostering trust within the roster. “When players start to lose trust, that’s when teams break down,” he said, noting that difficult changes sometimes need to be made for a team to stay competitive.

Before joining SK Gaming in 2023, OWN3R built his reputation in Spain’s Superliga, particularly during his time with MAD Lions Madrid. Known for his emphasis on structure, he was promoted at SK Gaming to head coach in 2025. Despite challenges in his first full year at the helm, SK management remains convinced he can lead the organization into long-term stability.

With full control over the roster rebuild, OWN3R faces a critical offseason where SK Gaming hope to bounce back from a difficult 2025 and re-establish themselves as playoff contenders. After a year of fielding a different roster every offseason, it is time for one of Europe’s oldest organizations to take pride in building a solid new sporting project.

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.