The Impact of T1's Roster Changes: Zeus's Departure and Doran's Arrival
T1’s roster undergoes significant changes as Zeus departs for Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) with a lucrative contract, while Doran joins as his replacement, marking a pivotal moment in League of Legends' competitive landscape.
The League of Legends community has been shaken by T1’s recent roster changes, particularly the departure of their star top laner Zeus to Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) and the acquisition of Doran as his replacement. This transformation represents one of the most significant shifts in the competitive League of Legends scene.
Zeus’s departure comes after achieving remarkable success with T1, including two championships and a World Championship runner-up finish. HLE reportedly offered Zeus a two-year contract worth 20 million RMB per year, a substantial increase from his T1 salary. This move reflects the growing financial power of Korean organizations and their willingness to invest heavily in top talent.
The ripple effects of this roster change extend beyond just T1 and HLE. The LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea) landscape has been dramatically altered, with other teams scrambling to strengthen their rosters. Notably, Gen.G has assembled a formidable lineup featuring Kiin, Canyon, Chovy, Ruler, and Duro, while HLE has built around Zeus with a roster including Peanut, Zeka, Viper, and Delight.
T1’s decision to sign Doran reflects the limited options available in the top lane position within the LCK. While Doran is considered among the top three top laners in Korea, following Zeus and Kiin, this change may impact T1’s dominance in the region and their chances at achieving a historic third consecutive World Championship.
The competitive implications of these changes are particularly interesting for the 2025 season. With the World Championship scheduled to be held in China and the strengthening of other LCK teams, T1’s path to maintaining their championship form faces new challenges. The pressure on Faker and his teammates to adapt to these changes while maintaining their competitive edge will be a central narrative.
Industry insiders note that this roster shuffle may have been influenced by several factors, including the LCK’s salary cap regulations and the growing financial disparity between organizations. The situation also highlights the evolving nature of professional League of Legends, where player movement and team rebuilding have become increasingly common.
Looking ahead, the success of these changes will be measured not just in tournament results but also in how both Zeus and T1 adapt to their new circumstances. For Zeus, the challenge will be proving his worth independent of T1’s system, while T1 must demonstrate they can maintain their championship-caliber performance with Doran in the top lane.
This transition marks the end of an era for T1 while potentially beginning a new chapter in LCK’s competitive history. The impact of these changes will likely resonate throughout the 2025 season and beyond, affecting not only the teams directly involved but the entire competitive League of Legends landscape.