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T1 Overhauls Iconic “Jeopeguke” Roster: Zeus Departs, Doran Joins for 2025 Season

General Report May 20, 2025
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Closure of the “Jeopeguke” Era
  3. T1’s 2025 Roster Rebuild: Doran Joins
  4. Zeus’s Next Chapter at Hanwha Life eSports
  5. Legacy and Impact on T1’s Future
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • As of May 20, 2025, the competitive landscape of League of Legends has undergone significant transformation, particularly marked by T1's strategic shifts following the conclusion of its renowned 'Jeopeguke' era. This reign, beginning in 2023 and culminating in late 2024, witnessed T1's ascent to eSports prominence, highlighted by two consecutive World Championship victories—a testament to the profound synergy and skill of the team. The recent announcement in November 2024, revealing the departure of top laner Zeus, has echoed deeply within the community, ushering in a period of reflection and anticipation. Zeus's significant contributions positioned him as a pivotal figure in T1’s history, culminating in an emotional farewell from a fanbase that celebrated his achievements and competitive spirit. Meanwhile, T1 has sought to revitalize its roster by acquiring veteran player Doran, whose previous accolades complement the core of existing talents including Faker, Gumayusi, Keria, and Oner. This strategic pivot indicates T1's intent not only to sustain its existing high competitive standards but also to forge new pathways for success in the forthcoming 2025 LCK season. The organizational decisions surrounding these roster changes have engaged fans and analysts alike, who speculate on the dynamics of this restructured team in light of the impending challenges.

  • On the other hand, Zeus's transition to Hanwha Life eSports signifies a shift in the team dynamics within the LCK, as he endeavors to bring his championship experience to a roster eager to ascend in strength and competitiveness. His role is not merely as a top laner but also as a leader capable of enhancing team consistency and performance. The enhancements to Hanwha Life's roster are indicative of a broader trend within the league—an arms race for talent that seeks to disrupt T1's previously unassailable position. As these two rival organizations recalibrate in pursuit of excellence, their outcomes in the upcoming season will serve as a microcosm of the continuous evolution of strategy and skill in professional eSports.

2. Closure of the “Jeopeguke” Era

  • 2-1. Official announcement of Zeus’s contract termination

  • On November 19, 2024, T1 officially announced the termination of star top laner Zeus’s contract. This announcement marked the end of a significant chapter in the organization’s history, known as the 'Jeopeguke' era, characterized by exceptional achievements including two World Championship titles. The news was disseminated through T1's social media platforms, highlighting the organization's strategic shift as they parted ways with a key player.

  • 2-2. Achievements of the Jeopeguke lineup (2023–2024 World Championships)

  • The Jeopeguke lineup elevated T1's status in the competitive League of Legends scene, achieving remarkable success during its tenure from 2023 to 2024. Notably, the team clinched the World Championship title in 2023 and successfully defended their title in 2024, affirming their dominance in the League of Legends World Championship landscape. This period was marked by consistent performances and a high level of synergy among team members, ultimately culminating in a historic run that solidified T1's reputation as one of the elite teams in the league.

  • 2-3. Fan and community reactions

  • The announcement of Zeus’s departure elicited a strong emotional response from fans and the broader gaming community. Many expressed their gratitude for Zeus's contributions to T1, acknowledging his role in their tournament successes and the emotional highs and lows experienced during the Jeopeguke era. Online forums and social media reflected a mix of nostalgia and hope, as fans reminisced about the unforgettable moments shared during the previous seasons while speculating on the team's future direction without their star top laner. The community's engagement highlighted the personal connections and passionate investment that fans have with their favorite teams and players.

3. T1’s 2025 Roster Rebuild: Doran Joins

  • 3-1. Acquisition of top laner Doran for the 2025 season

  • In a strategic move for the upcoming 2025 season, T1 officially announced the acquisition of veteran top laner Doran (Choi Hyun-jun) on November 19, 2024. This decision came shortly after T1's departure from their illustrious 'Jeopeguke' roster, which included the departure of star player Zeus. Doran, who has a history of success in the LCK, previously played for teams like Gen.G and Hanwha Life eSports, enhancing his reputation as a formidable competitor. With experience as an LCK champion (three-time winner between 2022 and 2023), Doran's addition reflects T1’s strategy to maintain high competitive standards as they pivot from their previous lineup.

  • 3-2. Projected role alongside Faker, Gumayusi, Keria, and Oner

  • Within T1’s reorganized roster for the 2025 season, Doran is expected to play a pivotal role alongside established stars such as Faker, Gumayusi, Keria, and Oner. His integration into the team aims to solidify their top lane strategy, enhancing their overall synergy and competitive edge. The existing core of players remains intact, which includes veteran mid-laner Faker, who is crucial for team cohesion and leadership. With Doran's arrival, the expectation is that his experience in high-stakes environments will complement this group, thereby creating a balanced and versatile team structure that can adapt to the evolving dynamics of the LCK.

  • 3-3. Strategic outlook for team dynamics and objectives

  • The strategic outlook for T1, with Doran joining their roster, is heavily focused on replicating past successes while adapting to the new competitive landscape of the LCK. Doran’s history of winning reflects his capacity to perform under pressure, and this trait is critical as T1 aims for another championship run. As the team prepares for the upcoming Spring Split, analysts suggest that Doran's role will extend beyond just fulfilling the top lane position; he is expected to contribute to team strategies, particularly in fostering synergy between the lanes and enhancing communication during matches. Overall, T1’s objectives are clearly aligned towards regaining their status as a dominant force in the league, with Doran positioned as a key contributor in this ambitious quest.

4. Zeus’s Next Chapter at Hanwha Life eSports

  • 4-1. Transfer details and contract overview

  • In a significant roster change, Lee Jae-hoon, known by his in-game name 'Zeus, ' officially joined Hanwha Life eSports after parting ways with T1. The transfer was completed in late November 2024, following T1's announcement of Zeus's contract termination. Hanwha Life eSports welcomed Zeus with enthusiasm, signaling a strengthening of their roster as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 season. Zeus had been a key player for T1, predominantly serving as the top laner and contributing to the team's remarkable success, including two consecutive World Championship titles in 2023 and 2024. His contract with Hanwha is structured to leverage his expertise and leadership abilities as the team seeks to increase its competitiveness in the LCK.

  • 4-2. Zeus’s career highlights and leadership record

  • Zeus's career has been marked by exceptional achievements and recognition within the League of Legends professional scene. Most notably, his performance during the 2023 World Championships earned him the title of MVP, highlighting his pivotal role in T1's success. Throughout his tenure at T1, Zeus not only demonstrated technical prowess but also showcased leadership qualities that positively influenced his teammates. His journey began at T1 Academy, where his skills quickly propelled him to the main roster in January 2021. Over the span of three years, Zeus has played an integral role in forming T1's identity, characterized by aggressive yet strategic gameplay. As he transitions to Hanwha Life eSports, his track record establishes him as a valuable asset capable of enhancing the team's overall dynamics and performance.

  • 4-3. Impacts on Hanwha Life’s lineup strength

  • Zeus's integration into Hanwha Life eSports is expected to significantly bolster the team's competitive standing in the LCK. His arrival not only adds a wealth of experience but also enhances the team's strategic options due to his versatile playstyle. Hanwha Life has undergone a transformative phase leading into the 2025 season, pursuing an aggressive roster overhaul to improve their performance and challenge the dominance of established teams like T1. By securing Zeus, they have solidified their top lane with a player who has proven success at the highest levels of competition. This move positions Hanwha Life as a formidable contender capable of achieving higher placements in the league, with fans and analysts eagerly anticipating how Zeus’s leadership will influence both individual and team performance.

5. Legacy and Impact on T1’s Future

  • 5-1. Significance of the Jeopeguke three-year run

  • The "Jeopeguke" era, marked by the roster comprising Zeus, Oner, Faker, Gumayusi, and Keria, stands as a defining chapter in T1's history. This lineup not only secured back-to-back World Championship titles in 2023 and 2024 but also established itself as a benchmark for synergy and performance in the League of Legends Championship Korea (LCK). The team’s dynamic was characterized by robust communication, strategic innovation, and a remarkable ability to adapt to opponents, which significantly contributed to their dominance during this period. Zeus, in particular, emerged as a critical player, earning accolades such as the MVP in the 2023 World Championship finals, helping solidify his status as one of the key figures in the legacy of T1 eSports.

  • The successful run of the Jeopeguke lineup not only solidified T1's position among the elite teams in the LCK but also reinforced the organizational brand globally. The roster’s accomplishments have drawn attention, not merely for their titles, but for their influence on the meta and gameplay styles that followed. As such, they have left an indelible mark on aspiring players and teams worldwide, redefining what success looks like in eSports.

  • 5-2. Brand and performance implications for T1

  • The dissolution of the Jeopeguke lineup presents both challenges and opportunities for T1. With the departure of Zeus, questions loom over the brand's ability to maintain its competitive edge in the upcoming 2025 season. However, the successful transition to acquiring veteran top laner Doran indicates a strategic effort to uphold high-performance standards within the team. Doran's extensive experience, coupled with his championship pedigree, adds a new dimension to the team’s identity, potentially allowing T1 to build on its previous successes while adapting to the evolving competitive landscape.

  • Moreover, the brand implications resonate on multiple levels. T1’s reputation, shaped significantly during the Jeopeguke era, now faces scrutiny as fans and analysts watch closely how the organization manages this transition. Retaining key talents such as Faker and Oner is crucial, as their continued presence serves as a stabilizing factor. How T1 balances legacy with fresh talent will play a pivotal role in sustaining its brand equity in the eSports arena.

  • 5-3. Outlook for synergy, growth, and LCK title ambitions

  • Looking ahead, T1’s objectives for the 2025 LCK season will focus heavily on integrating Doran into the core of the team while maximizing synergy with existing players. The synergy between Doran and his new teammates could dictate T1's success in establishing a cohesive playstyle. Given Doran’s prior experiences with several LCK teams, including his time at DRX and Gen.G, his adaptability is expected to facilitate a smoother transition despite the significant roster changes.

  • Furthermore, T1's ambitions will undoubtedly involve a strong pursuit of the LCK title and a return to the world stage. The pressure is on not just for Doran, but for all members of the roster to step up and perform at their best. With a historically high standard set by the previous roster, any success will demand an impressive strategic overhaul and diligent execution. The upcoming season will serve as a litmus test for T1, highlighting the effectiveness of their rebuilding efforts and their commitment to reclaiming the top tier of competitive League of Legends.

Conclusion

  • The departure of Zeus from T1 marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, encapsulating three years of unmatched achievement defined by discipline, teamwork, and iconic victories. As T1 prepares for the challenges of the 2025 season with the addition of Doran—a player steeped in LCK experience and success—the organization underscores its commitment to maintaining a leading edge in the ever-competitive world of League of Legends. Meanwhile, Zeus's new role with Hanwha Life eSports introduces a fascinating narrative of power dynamics within the league, as both teams vie for dominance with significantly altered rosters. The trajectory of T1, bolstered by its remaining stars and the strategic integration of Doran, will hinge upon their ability to meld diverse gameplay styles and foster cohesive strategies. For Hanwha Life, the seasoned leadership brought by Zeus could very well invigorate a team poised for ascension in the competitive hierarchy.

  • As we move forward, the real-time effectiveness of these significant roster transformations will be scrutinized closely, especially during the LCK Spring Split. It's clear that both organizations are in pivotal positions to capitalize on their respective changes, with T1 aiming to maintain its legacy while charting new successes, and Hanwha Life looking to redefine its competitiveness. The upcoming matches will be critical indicators of how these changes manifest in gameplay and overall team synergy, reshaping expectations and rivalries within the eSports arena. Stakeholders, including fans and analysts, will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on the unfolding narratives throughout the season, all while nurturing hopes for a thrilling competitive environment.

Glossary

  • Jeopeguke: The name of the roster era for T1 eSports, lasting from 2023 to late 2024, characterized by significant achievements including back-to-back World Championship titles. This era was marked by exceptional teamwork and synergy among players, establishing T1 as a dominant force in the League of Legends competitive scene.
  • T1 eSports: A professional eSports organization based in South Korea, well-known for its competitive teams in League of Legends and other games. T1 has a rich history and is recognized globally due to its successful roster and championship wins, particularly during the Jeopeguke era.
  • League of Legends: A multiplayer online battle arena game developed by Riot Games, where teams of players compete to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus. As of May 2025, it remains one of the most popular eSports titles, fostering a global competitive environment across various leagues and tournaments.
  • LCK: The League of Legends Champions Korea, the premier professional league for League of Legends in South Korea. The LCK has high levels of competition, and teams like T1 and Hanwha Life eSports frequently vie for championships, impacting the global eSports landscape.
  • Zeus: The in-game name of Lee Jae-hoon, a prominent professional League of Legends player known for his role as a top laner. As of May 2025, he has transitioned from T1 to Hanwha Life eSports, where he aims to leverage his championship experience and leadership skills to enhance his new team's performance.
  • Doran: The in-game name of Choi Hyun-jun, a seasoned top laner who joined T1 eSports for the 2025 season. Previously successful with teams like Gen.G, his role is pivotal in bolstering T1’s competitive strategy as they attempt to reclaim dominance in the upcoming season.
  • Stove League: A term used in eSports, particularly in League of Legends, referring to the off-season period when teams make roster changes and strategic adjustments. As of May 2025, the Stove League marked significant shifts, especially for T1 and Hanwha Life eSports, influencing their competitiveness for the new season.
  • Roster Change: The process of modifying a team’s lineup, often involving the addition or departure of players. In this context, T1's roster change is significant as they integrated Doran while parting ways with Zeus, indicating shifts in strategy and direction for the 2025 season.
  • Faker: The in-game name of Sang-hyeok Lee, widely regarded as one of the best League of Legends players of all time. As of May 2025, he remains a core member of T1’s roster, crucial for both team cohesion and leadership as they navigate their challenges in the LCK.
  • Hanwha Life eSports: A professional eSports organization in South Korea known for its League of Legends team. Following the acquisition of Zeus as of late November 2024, the organization has aimed to bolster its competitiveness as they prepare for the 2025 season in the LCK.

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