South Korean esports organization T1 has solidified its League of Legends roster for the 2026 season by securing a contract extension wiht top laner Choi “Doran” Hyeon-jun, the team announced Saturday. The deal, reportedly utilizing a pre-existing option in Doran’s current contract, comes after a championship run with T1 at the 2025 World Championship where they defeated JD Gaming 3-1, and sets the stage for a potential three-peat. The declaration also coincided with news that veteran bot laner Lee “gumayusi” Min-hyeong’s contract has expired, opening a key spot as the team eyes continued dominance in the LCK.
T1 has secured the future of top laner Choi “Doran” Hyeon-jun, announcing a contract extension through 2026 on November 17. The organization framed the agreement as a contract extension rather than a renewal, suggesting the team exercised a pre-existing option – reportedly a 1+1 clause – included in Doran’s initial deal signed during the 2025 season. The option was reportedly contingent on mutual agreement.
Doran made an immediate impact upon joining T1, playing a key role in the team’s dominant run to the 2025 League of Legends World Championship title. His performance helped propel T1 towards a potential “three-peat” – three consecutive championship victories – in the prestigious esports tournament. With Doran locked in, T1 now has only one open roster spot, in the bot lane. Four members of the championship-winning squad are now confirmed for the 2026 season, positioning T1 as a strong contender once again.
The team announced that the contract of bot laner Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong expired on the same day.
Kim “PhaZe” Su-hwan is emerging as a leading candidate to fill the vacant bot lane position. News of Gumayusi’s departure quickly sparked speculation, with one overseas outlet reporting that PhaZe is poised to join T1. PhaZe previously played for T1’s domestic rivals, Gen.G Esports, progressing through the Gen.G Academy system before becoming a mainstay in the Gen.G main roster for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He boasts three LCK titles – 2023 LCK Spring, 2023 LCK Summer, and 2024 LCK Spring – and was named Finals MVP at the 2023 Spring Split. Most recently, PhaZe competed in the LPL (China) with JD Gaming.
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