Sports
T1 Parts Ways with Legendary Toplaner Zeus, Welcomes Doran to Roster
T1, one of the most iconic esports teams in the world, has announced the departure of their esteemed toplaner, Choi “Zeus” Woo-je, marking the end of an era for the legendary ZOFGK roster. Zeus, just 20 years old, has been with T1 since joining their academy team in late 2019 and was promoted to the main roster in 2021. He quickly became one of the greatest toplaners in League of Legends history, contributing significantly to T1’s back-to-back World Championship titles in 2023 and 2024, as well as other notable victories such as the LCK Spring championship in 2022 and the Esports World Cup in July 2024.
The decision by Zeus to leave T1 comes amidst rumors of a substantial offer from Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) and interest from several teams in the LPL. This move signals a new chapter in Zeus’s career, although his next destination has not been officially announced.
In response to Zeus’s departure, T1 has officially welcomed former HLE toplaner Choi “Doran” Hyeon-jun to their roster. Doran, 24 years old, has a rich history in the LCK, having played for teams such as Griffin, DRX, KT Rolster, Gen.G, and most recently HLE. His experience and past performances against T1 make him a promising replacement, though his addition also brings a mix of anticipation and uncertainty among fans.
The breakup of the ZOFGK roster, which included Zeus, Oner, Faker, Gumayusi, and Keria, has left many fans disheartened. Despite Oner, Gumayusi, and Keria re-signing with T1 and Faker remaining contracted until November 2025, the team’s dynamics are set to change significantly. Additionally, there are reports that T1’s coach, Tom (Im Jae Hyeon), is negotiating his contract and fielding offers from multiple LPL teams, which could further reshape T1’s future.
The transition from Zeus to Doran will be closely watched as T1 prepares for the 2025 season. The team’s performance with the new lineup will be a key focus for fans and analysts alike, as they aim to maintain their dominance in the competitive League of Legends scene.