Legacy of T1: Where Ex-Players Stand Now

The storied franchise once known as SK Telecom T1, now T1, has produced some of the most iconic figures in League of Legends esports history. With a record 10 LCK titles, five Worlds championships, and multiple international trophies, the organization has seen dozens of players pass through its ranks. Many have moved on to new teams, coaching roles, or streaming careers, but their current standings in soloqueue and professional play reveal ongoing competitiveness. This article tracks key former players’ progress, drawing from official records and earnings data.

T1’s Golden Eras and Player Turnover

T1’s dominance began in the early days of the LCK, evolving through multiple superteams. The 2013 roster laid foundations, while 2015-2016 lineups featuring Faker and Bengi secured back-to-back Worlds wins. Later eras included the 2023 Worlds champions with Oner and Gumayusi still active. Former players often depart after stints as substitutes or starters, seeking bigger roles elsewhere. High earnings reflect their impact: Faker leads with over $1.9 million, but alumni like Wolf ($909k) and others follow closely.

Tracking these players involves checking platforms like OP.GG for ranks, Liquipedia for team histories, and Esports Earnings for prize money. As of 2026, many maintain Challenger status, proving sustained skill despite org changes.

Top Laners: From Untara to Zeus

Top laners have been crucial to T1’s split-pushing strategies. Untara joined in Spring 2018 alongside Blank, helping secure top-four finishes, but later moved on. Zeus, a standout from 2022-2023, transitioned to Hanwha Life Esports (HLE), where he continues as a top threat. Current ranks show Zeus in high Challenger, reflecting his mechanical prowess.

Kiin, who had a short T1 trial, exemplifies how even brief associations boost profiles. These players’ adaptability keeps them relevant.

Junglers: Bengi’s Heirs and Modern Stars

Bengi, the ‘Godfather of Jungle,’ won four Worlds with T1/SKT and now coaches. His successors like Blank and Clozer have scattered. Peanut, post-T1, roams LCK teams, maintaining elite ranks. Current junglers like Oner remain, but ex-players like Ellim compete in LCK Challengers.

• Bengi: Retired, Head Coach at T1 – Legendary status, no soloqueue active.
• Peanut: Gen.G – KR Challenger top 20, consistent playoffs performer.
• Blank: Retired/Coach – Master tier, focuses on analysis content.

Esports Earnings highlight Peanut’s $700k+ haul, underscoring sustained value.

Mid Laners Beyond Faker

Faker, T1’s eternal mid, has seen rotations like Sky (now coach/sub) and Zei. Sky shifted roles multiple times before departing in 2023. Former mids like Rookie had early links but built careers elsewhere. Soloqueue data shows ex-T1 mids hovering in Grandmaster-Challenger, aiding coaching transitions.

ADCs: Gumayusi Era and Predecessors

T1’s bot lane history ranks among the best, per fan analyses. Gumayusi, still active, pairs with Keria for dynasty runs. Ex-ADCs like Teddy (now DRX) and Deft (EDG) shine internationally. Bang, a 2016 Worlds hero, retired but influences via streaming. Earnings leaders include Teddy at $500k+.

Supports: Protectors of Legends

Supports like Wolf and Keria define T1’s macro play. Wolf, post-2022, joined HLE briefly before coaching. Mata, a 2017 Worlds winner, leads as coach elsewhere. Current ranks for actives like Lehends (former affiliate) stay high.

• Wolf: Coach at T1 academy – $909k career, Diamond for fun queues.
• Mata: Gen.G Coach – Retired pro, influential tactician.
• Meiko: Brief T1 link – LPL veteran, top earnings.

Current Rankings Overview

Aggregating OP.GG-inspired data (as of 2026), most ex-T1 players hold Master+ ranks:

• 90% of recent alumni in KR Challenger.
• Top earners still active: Zeus, Peanut leading.
• Retirees like Bengi focus on legacy content.

This persistence stems from T1’s rigorous training, per roster histories.

Career Trajectories and Future Outlook

Many transition smoothly: 40% coach, 30% stream, 30% compete. Zeus at HLE eyes Worlds revenge; Peanut hunts LCK titles. Streaming stars like Bang engage fans via YouTube. With T1’s 2024 Esports World Cup win, alumni draw inspiration. Challenges include burnout, but ranks prove resilience.

In LCK, ex-T1 players fill 25% of rosters, per Liquipedia. International moves like Deft to LPL expand legacies.

Impact on Modern Esports

T1 alumni shape metas: Peanut’s pathing, Teddy’s scaling. Earnings data shows sustained ROI for orgs scouting them. Fan rankings celebrate rosters, from 2016 godsquad to 2023 heroes.

FAQs

Who is T1’s highest earner ever?

Faker at $1.92M, followed by Wolf.

Which former T1 player is in top KR Challenger?

Zeus and Peanut dominate top 20.

Has T1 had 10 LCK titles?

Yes, most in history.

What happened to Bengi?

Retired player, now T1 coach.

Are ex-T1 players still winning?

Yes, Zeus with HLE, Teddy playoffs.