LOL ZEUS JOINS HLE

Zeus leaves T1 to join HLE

Lightning has struck the world of esports. Choi "Zeus" Woo-je is leaving T1 to join Hanwha Life Esports (HLE). This news has sent shockwaves through the competitive scene, sparking widespread discussion, especially given that his re-signing was anticipated after T1 had been announcing the renewal of their other players day by day.

The announcement of Zeus’s departure, shared just hours ago on T1’s social media, came as a surprise, especially following his second consecutive World Championship victory with the team. Widely regarded as the undisputed best toplaner in the world, Zeus solidified his reputation with a dominant performance throughout Worlds 2024, showcasing his ability to impact every phase of the game—even under immense pressure in high-stakes matches. As one of the key pillars of T1’s success in recent years, Zeus naturally became one of the most sought-after players this offseason.

HLE: an ambitious destination

While Zeus has chosen to bring an end to the legendary ZOFGK era, this doesn’t mean he is joining a less promising roster. Although no official details have been disclosed, the player is likely seeking new challenges and opportunities. As the sole member departing the reigning two-time World Championship-winning lineup and moving to a rival team within the same league, Zeus seems determined to claim LCK titles—a glaring omission in his otherwise stellar career, with only the 2022 Spring Split to his name so far.

The challenge ahead is even more thrilling as he joins HLE, the current Korean champions, where he will shoulder the responsibility of potentially becoming the face of a team aiming to extend its dominance. This is no small feat in a league long controlled by Gen.G and T1. Additionally, this move offers Zeus the chance to prove he can achieve success outside the shadow of Faker, carving out his legacy as a leader in his own right. To demonstrate his worth, Zeus will compete in what looks to be a powerhouse roster on paper, bolstered by the re-signing of star ADC Park "Viper" Do-hyeon earlier this week.