Both T1 and Zeus had an ineffective opening match of LCK Cup 2025
One of the biggest dramas at the end of 2024 in the League of Legends industry is between T1 – Zeus. The noisy transfer deal of the superstar born in 2004 attracted the attention of the League of Legends community around the world. After everything was over, the audience waited for the performances of the relevant characters. Unexpectedly, both T1 and HLE failed in the opening match of LCK Cup 2025.
Both Doran's Zeus (left) and T1 had unsatisfactory starting days.
And in the defeat of the two teams, the two Top Lane players became the focus of attention. However, there is one truth: Doran is still somewhat better than Zeus when at least he shows effectiveness in each stage of each game. Meanwhile, Zeus on the HLE side was completely lifeless and in comparison, Kiin had a “leisurely” day of competition when facing the former T1 star.
All in all, on the day of their departure, both T1 and their “old people” had a bad day. But in reality, T1's problem is much easier to solve than Zeus – HLE.
But the problem of T1 – Doran is much easier to solve than Zeus – HLE.
T1 may even have a better direction than previous seasons but Zeus is very difficult
Because, if Doran plays in the background with Faker (or even Oner), T1 will be considered to have “unlocked” Keria and Gumayusi to be free with the duo's mutant picks and bans. Even Faker will be comfortable with champions like Ahri, Azir, Orianna without fear that his bad combo will lose the team's advantage.
In addition, with champions like Jax, Doran can be a potential trigger. Considering 2024 alone, Doran's Jax is even better than Zeus's Jax (85.7% win rate/14 matches compared to 42.9%/7 matches). Doran also has a knack for champions like Gnar, K'Sante and can create mutations with champions like Rumble and Twisted Fate.
If T1 lets Doran return to his familiar playing style, it will be able to maximize Gumayusi's strength and “lighten the burden” for Faker – Oner.
Typically, in the recent match against DRX, T1 strongly let Doran use champions who can both serve as a foundation and contribute damage and resources to Gumayusi. It's true that DRX is too weak, but T1 at least gave Doran the opportunity to play to his strengths.
Meanwhile, Zeus is more difficult. He is used to being the main damage dealer and being resourced with teammates will “clear the way” for Zeus to the maximum, including Gumayusi. Now, he almost certainly has to rank behind Viper if not even Zeka.
While asking HLE to change the gameplay and let Viper – Zeka be the background or accept make plays for Zeus is very difficult.
And almost certainly, HLE will not change its playing style overnight, especially when Zeka – Viper contributed greatly to HLE's LCK championship last year. At that time, either Zeus will have to change, or he will realize that “leaving T1 and Faker is a storm”.
