T1 adjust to life after Zeus with Doran ahead of 2025 season

After a dominant 2024 that saw T1 defend their Worlds title and win the inaugural Esports World Cup, the team faced a big change in 2025: top laner Zeus left for Hanwha Life Esports. T1 brought in Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon to fill the gap, stepping into a lineup that had built legendary synergy as ZOFGK.

Replacing Zeus was no easy task, but Doran credited his new teammates for easing the transition. “Everyone approached me first and made me feel comfortable,” he told Dot Esports. T1’s first test with Doran came at the LCK Cup, which doubled as a qualifier for the First Stand Tournament and used the Fearless Draft format. T1 looked strong in the group stage but were knocked out in the playoffs—ironically by Hanwha Life, who went on to win FST 2025.