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The T1 and Zeus contract drama explained
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Anthony King
Gamer
30 Mar 2025
Posted On
Choi “Zeus” Woo-je’s departure from T1 on November 19, 2024, shocked the entire League of Legends[1] community. Zeus was a key player in T1’s back-to-back Worlds victories in 2023 and 2024 and was a core part of the team’s success. T1 announced his exit just weeks after their latest championship win, leaving fans shocked, and speculation ran wild about what led to the decision.
The organization quickly signed Choi “Doran” Hyeon-jun, a former top laner, as a replacement. While Doran is a solid player who has proven himself over the years, many viewed the move as a downgrade. Doran had never won a World Championship, and Zeus’s departure led to speculation that internal disputes were the reason for the roster change, not strategic planning. The lack of transparency in T1’s decision-making process only fueled fan frustration.
Here’s everything to know about the T1 and Zeus contract drama and what it means for the future of professional League of Legends as we know it.
Zeus’ contract dispute with T1
The contract negotiation process was at the heart of the dispute between T1 and Zeus, especially around salary expectations and contract structure. According to Zeus’ agency, The Play, he wanted to stay with T1 but was looking for a deal that properly reflected his status as a two-time champion.
T1 reportedly offered a 1+1 team option contract that would have given the organization control over whether he stayed beyond the first year. Meanwhile, Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) presented a 1+1 player option contract, giving Zeus the power to decide his future, which was a crucial factor in his decision to leave.
T1 CEO Joe Marsh later addressed the situation in an AMA session, commenting that financial interests sometimes take priority over a player’s well-being. While he did not directly call out The Play, the timing of his comments made it obvious he was criticizing Zeus’ agency.
The Play quickly responded with their version of events, denying any accusations and stating they had been transparent throughout negotiations. They revealed that T1 was fully aware of their stance before the AMA and that Marsh’s remarks were misleading.
They also denied taking any commission from Zeus’ move to HLE and revealed that he had been under time constraints. HLE had set a strict 3 PM deadline on November 19, leaving little room for last-minute decisions. T1 reportedly sent a final offer just 20 minutes before the deadline, but the terms did not meet Zeus’ expectations. Unable to wait any longer, he signed with HLE.
T1 faces fan backlash over Zeus’ exit
The way T1’s handled Zeus’ departure has led to significant backlash, many of whom felt the organization was trying to shift the blame. Joe Marsh’s comments only made things worse, which most people saw as an attempt to control the narrative. Marsh suggested that financial motives were a big factor, but The Play insisted Zeus’ decision came down to last-minute negotiations.
As things escalated, The Play took things further and submitted evidence to the Korean Esports Fair Committee to challenge what they saw as misleading claims from T1. They also publicly called T1 to release all negotiation details, but the organization has not yet responded.
At the same time, the T1 fanbase is completely split. Some blame the organization for not locking down one of the best top-laners in the world, a decision that could cost them in the long run.
It is also worth questioning whether T1 was ever given a fair chance to make a competitive offer. Marsh claimed The Play never communicated what Zeus wanted, leaving T1 in the dark. Moreover, the short negotiation window also gave them little time to respond. Neither side is backing down, making this one of the biggest controversies in the League of Legends scene.
Community and Fan Reactions
The Zeus and T1 contract drama quickly became a hot topic in the League of Legends community. Fans were divided, with some blaming T1 for mishandling negotiations and others pointing fingers at The Play for prioritizing their own interests. Social media exploded with discussions, with many expressing disappointment that T1 lost one of the best top laners in the world. Others speculated that Zeus was always looking to leave, especially with reports of Hanwha Life Esports offering a massive contract.
Esports analysts and content creators also weighed in. Some defended T1, arguing that organizations must be firm in contract negotiations to ensure long-term stability. Others criticized the team’s management, saying they should have done more to retain Zeus. Memes flooded Twitter and Reddit, highlighting the frustration of T1 fans. While emotions ran high, one thing was clear which was that Zeus’s move to HLE had massive implications for the future of both teams.
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What does this mean for future contract negotiations?
The drama surrounding Zeus and T1 highlights the growing power of agencies in esports. Player representation is becoming more common, and organizations now have to negotiate with both the player and their management team. This situation also raises concerns about transparency. Teams, agents, and players may need to communicate more openly to avoid similar conflicts in the future. Clearer contracts and stricter guidelines could prevent negotiations from breaking down at critical moments.
Additionally, teams will likely be more cautious when dealing with top-tier talent. Losing a star player like Zeus impacts not just a team’s performance but also its branding and fan loyalty. Moving forward, organizations may push for longer contracts to secure key players early. Meanwhile, agencies could become more aggressive in securing better deals. The esports industry is evolving fast, and this controversy may set a precedent for how teams and players negotiate moving forward.
FAQs
What led to Zeus's departure from T1?
Zeus's departure from T1 was primarily due to unsuccessful contract negotiations between T1 and his agency, The Play. T1's CEO, Joe Marsh, stated that the agency did not provide timely feedback on offers and set abrupt deadlines, complicating the negotiation process. The Play countered that T1 was late in responding to set deadlines, leading Zeus to accept an offer from Hanwha Life Esports (HLE).
How did the negotiation process unfold between T1 and Zeus's agency?
Negotiations were marked by miscommunication and differing accounts from both parties. The Play claimed they extended a deadline at HLE's request to finalize free agency plans, while T1 asserted they were informed of this deadline at the last minute and attempted to continue negotiations, but the agent declined further discussions.
Who has T1 signed to replace Zeus in the top lane?
Following Zeus's departure, T1 signed Choi "Doran" Hyeon-jun, formerly of Hanwha Life Esports, as their new top laner. Doran brings experience and a strong track record, having previously secured regional titles with Gen.G and contributed to HLE's successes.
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