Why did T1 and Zeus' contract renewal negotiations fall through? We'll summarize the truth behind the Hanwha transfer rumors and the salary differences revealed during the negotiation process. News that eSports fans can't miss!

Zeus and T1, the legendary roster dismantled

After failing to renew his contract with T1, League of Legends (LoL) eSports top laner 'Zeus' Choi Woo-je is likely to transfer to Hanwha Life Esports. This is how the journey of 'Geopeguke' (Zeus-Owner-Faker-Gumayusi-Keria), considered the best roster in LoL history, has come to an end.

T1 adjusted their proposals several times to negotiate with Zeus, but ultimately failed to reach a deal, and it appears they lost out in the competition with Hanwha.

Failure to renew contract, salary gap revealed during negotiation process

T1's proposal
Before Stove League: T1 initially offered a 3+1 year contract, but Zeus' agency deemed it an unacceptable amount.
There were three additional contract offers after that, and the final offer was for a 3+1 year contract, a slight increase over his previous salary.
However, failing to narrow the differences in opinions on salary and options, Zeus chose market evaluation (declaration of free agency).

Hanwha's proposal
It has been reported that Hanwha offered Zeus a guaranteed annual salary of approximately 2.5 billion won and a total of less than 3 billion won including options.
It appears that Zeus chose Hanwha's offer because the difference in guaranteed amount was about 1 billion won higher than T1's offer.

Issues that led to breakdown in negotiations

T1's Salary Cap Strategy
T1 proposed a contract with a guaranteed annual salary of 1.5 billion won + options to maximize the benefits of the salary cap system.
This may seem like a choice to improve the team's financial efficiency, but it was likely seen as an unstable condition from Zeus' perspective.

Hanwha's stable conditions
Hanwha offered a high guaranteed salary and a more attractive contract from the player's perspective, which was a major factor in Zeus's transfer decision.

Doran Recruitment, T1's New Choice

T1 has recruited Doran (Choi Hyun-jun) to fill the void left by Zeus. Doran has a history of outstanding performances at Hanwha Life Esports, and with this recruitment, T1 has established a new lineup.

Doran's annual salary is estimated to be around 1.5 billion won guaranteed, with no or low-level options likely.

Zeus's Transfer and T1's Future

The breakdown of T1 and Zeus' contract left esports fans with regret. However, it will be fun to watch Zeus' performance as he is expected to transfer to Hanwha and T1's new challenge.

There is analysis among fans that the salary cap system had a significant impact on the team's choice during this contract process, and attention is focused on what results T1's financial strategy and Hanwha's active investment will bring next season.

Are you curious about the news about Zeus' transfer?

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T1, contract with 'Zeus' ends... End of 'Geopheguke's' 3-year history?