With the acquisition of Zeus and Canna for the 2021 season, it’s highly likely that T1 won’t be looking for another top laner in this transfer window. Now, let’s take a look back at the top laners in the history of T1 (as well as SKT T1).
Impact
To this day, Impact remains one of the most respected veterans in Korean League of Legends. After winning the championship with SKT in Season 3, this experienced player has maintained a very stable performance in the North American LCS. For instance, he holds the record for the most LCS championships (4 consecutive times from 2018 to 2019) and is a familiar face in international tournaments like MSI and Worlds. Currently, Impact has left Team Liquid, but given his performance over the years, it shouldn’t be hard for him to find a new home in the LCS.
MaRin
MaRin is one of the few players recognized by the global League of Legends community as an “omnipotent god” in the top lane after his astonishing performance at Worlds 2015. Although he hasn’t regained his former glory after leaving SKT, he is still regarded as a very talented top laner while playing for Afreeca Freecs and LGD Gaming. Currently, MaRin has just married and is streaming on Twitch.tv.
Duke
Although Duke hasn’t received as much attention as other members of SKT, he remains the only player to have won the World Championship in two different teams (SKT in 2016 and IG in 2018). A year ago, Duke left Invictus Gaming but has yet to compete for any team since then, and while there hasn’t been an official announcement, it’s likely that the 1994-born player will not return to professional play.
Huni
Once one of the top laners in the world, Huni has represented 3 different regions in Worlds: Korea, Europe, and North America. He nearly had a perfect debut with SKT, winning the LCK Spring and MSI 2017, but ultimately faced a bitter defeat in the Worlds final against Samsung Galaxy. After leaving SKT, his performance has steadily declined in the North American LCS, and at one point, he even had to play in the second division of that region. Currently, Huni is playing top lane for Evil Geniuses.
Thal and Untara
These are the two least prominent names among SKT’s top laners. Whether in terms of performance or titles, Thal and Untara have been quite lackluster compared to other players in the LCK, let alone globally. Even after leaving SKT in search of opportunities with other teams, these two players have yet to achieve any impressive results. Last summer, both Thal and Untara “struggled” in the Korean second division (CK), and currently, both are free agents.
Khan
Once one of the top laners in the world, Khan had a less than stellar performance in the last season. Somehow, Khan has continuously played for teams that have won the World Championship, including SKT T1, FunPlus Phoenix, and now DAMWON Gaming. This somewhat reflects Khan’s value in the eyes of League of Legends professionals. However, to prove whether he is overrated or not, Khan will need to work hard in this return to the LCK.
Canna
Despite an impressive debut with the LCK Spring 2020 championship, Canna and T1 suffered a defeat in the summer split and missed the chance to participate in Worlds 2020. Currently, T1 fans believe that what this player lacks is experience, so in this transfer window, T1 has extended his contract to unlock Canna’s full potential.
Zeus
A young talent born in 2004, Zeus is expected to be a rookie sensation in the 2021 season. With three accounts ranking in the top 4, 5, and 17 Challenger in Korea, T1’s Zeus is seen as the most promising young talent in the LCK.