They broke record after record to make history as a team. T1 successfully defended their title and clinched another World Championship victory. Indeed, this roster might be the best one that the world has seen with their succeeding World Finals appearance. Undoubtedly, these players are all talented individually, which makes them a great addition to any team.
Yet, questions start to arise as ZOFGK’s future hangs in balance following the conclusion of the tournament. Four of five players’ contracts are expiring on November 17, 2024, which asks if T1 will keep the roster for 2025. It is not just the fans, but the entire community, that awaits news on potential renewals or departures of players from the roster.
The Current State of T1’s Contracts
Everyone is tipping around the edge on the matter of T1 players’ contracts. With the Worlds Finals 2024 ending, it opened discussion of renewal or potential player departure. The ZOFGK lineup, consisting of Zeus, Oner, Faker, Gumayusi, and Keria, is one of the most successful rosters in League history.
Among them, Faker already secured his contract extension until November 18, 2025, that locked him in the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Zeus, Oner, Gumayusi, and Keria’s contracts are set to expire this November 17, 2024. With that, teams are set to offer their proposal to add these players to the roster. T1 will have to work on discussing renewal of contracts to keep their champion roster.
Military Service Considerations
Military service has been one of the considerations of players in planning for their career. In South Korea, men are required to undergo basic military training and service as stated by their law. Zeus and Keria previously expressed their interest in beginning the rendering of their service this winter.
Fortunately, their gold medal victory at the Asian Games 2023 exempted them from full mandatory military service. Although they are still expected to undergo at least a month of basic military training. With this setup, it is unlikely to be a major obstacle in the contract renewals of players.
Player Perspectives on Their Future
The future remains bright yet temporarily clouded for the player as they tackle contract renewal. Since the beginning of 2024, players have been asked about contracts and their future with T1.
In their “Knowing Bros” appearance in January 2024, Keria sees staying with T1 to hold more value than just the price. Thus, despite better offers from other teams, it will be hard for him to consider transferring. Meanwhile, Zeus acknowledged the offers he has been receiving and admitted to considering the options he currently has. Oner, though, mentioned in his Sheep Esports interview, to handle the matter after the Worlds.
With their victory in the League of Legends Worlds Finals 2024, the players are asked once again this question. “Can ZOFGK stay together? ” has been the query in the post-match interview after the championship. Faker affirmed to the fans and the League community that Worlds 2024 would not be his last shot.
While Keria, distraught following the adrenaline from victory, answered, “I … (Pause) I don’t even know if I’ll (be able to) be playing this game next year or not. But if I do play…” Meanwhile, Gumayusi jumped in to answer, stating,
“I’ll jump in and speak in representation. I do believe things related to contracts are too sensitive to discuss here. With this set of players, we have already created so many beautiful memories. I believe this is such a great roster. Personally, I think we could play together again if there was that chance… But I personally think that may possibly change depending on the opinion of each player, and the thought of the team.”
Keria’s answer came as a surprise given his exemplary performance on the team. However, he assured his fans on T1 membership that he only had a brain freeze at the time. He could not understand the question and answered gibberish.
Conclusion
It is rare for a roster to keep the same drive, passion, and strength throughout seasons that pass. With this, T1’s ZOFGK stands remarkable and historic as they consecutively appear in the World Finals for three years. Out of three appearances, they clinched a back-to-back championship that is praiseworthy given the tight competition in the league. Indeed, they’re a one-of-a-kind team that exists, which made them exciting to watch.
Now, all eyes are on Zeus, Oner, Gumayusi, and Keria on the path they’ll take following the expiration of their contracts. With this, fans are hoping that the ZOFGK roster renews with T1 for the 2025 season.
