Doran is staying with T1 next year | Contract renewed through 2026

On November 17, T1 announced that they have extended their contract with their Top Laner, Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon.

Doran is currently under a ‘1+1’ contract, which meant that his second year was up for optional renewal. With this contract extension, the World Champion is expected to stay with T1 for another year.

“I wonder which team will sign me. Whoever they are, they are so lucky!” – Doran on his stream, after he parted ways with Hanwha Life Esports in 2024

Doran will stay with T1 for at least one more year

Doran first joined T1 prior to the start of the 2025 LCK season, following a controversial Stove League roster change between the organization and Doran’s predecessor, Choi “Zeus” Woo-je. Despite concerns surrounding the inconsistencies in his gameplay, he’s shown incredible growth this year, clutching out key moments (and also dying to Krugs), eventually lifting the Summoner’s Cup at Worlds 25.

Alongside T1’s announcement, they commented:

“Doran will continue his journey with T1 until 2026. We created countless valuable memories this year while striving for the same goal. We look forward to our continued journey together with Doran.”

With their previous announcement of the departure of long-time Bot Laner, Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyung, and with the rest of T1 still under contract until 2026 (Or in Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok’s case, until 2029), T1 looks to complete their 2026 roster with the acquisition of a new Bot Laner. Currently, the vacant role is rumored to be filled by Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan.