Sports
T1 Esports Signs Doran, Releases Zeus: A Strategic Move for 2025
T1, a prominent esports organization, has announced a significant roster change for its League of Legends team, introducing Choi «Doran» Hyeon-jun as the new top laner starting in 2025. Doran, formerly with Hanwha Life Esports, joins T1 following the departure of Choi «Zeus» Woo-je, an instrumental player in recent years.
The change comes amidst a series of contract renewals earlier in November, where T1 confirmed the retention of players Ryu «Keria» Min-seok, Mun «Oner» Hyeon-jun, and Lee «Gumayusi» Min-hyung. However, the departure of Zeus, a player who significantly contributed to T1’s victories at Worlds 2023 and 2024, raises strategic questions for the organization’s fanbase.
Zeus, who joined T1’s academy team in 2020, rose to become a central figure of the lineup, earning titles such as the LCK Spring Championship in 2022. Meanwhile, Doran arrives with extensive experience, having played for Griffin, DRX, KT Rolster, Gen.G, and most recently Hanwha Life. Notably, he has faced T1 in crucial victories while with Gen.G in past LCK seasons.
The transition has prompted speculation about Zeus’s next move. Given Hanwha Life’s requirement for a new top laner after losing Doran and their strong domestic performance in 2024, which included a win at the LCK Summer, a potential opportunity could arise for Zeus with the team. However, no official announcement has been made regarding his future team.