First Stand 2025: A One-Dimensional Perspective of HLE and Zeus’s “Epic” Achievement Against T1
Before stepping into the finals, Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) was considered the underdog in the race for the championship title. In fact, their chances seemed even slimmer after Top Esports had already secured a victory in an earlier match. However, despite KC managing a win in the first game, the match still appeared overwhelmingly one-sided in favor of the representatives from LCK. The championship win at First Stand 2025 further solidified the “epic” achievement of Zeus against the formidable team T1.
Specifically, Zeus has become a rare exception in the history of SKT T1/T1, winning a championship title right after leaving the team. This is especially noteworthy considering the legacy of iconic players like MaRin and “the great” Khan, who have yet to achieve what Zeus has. Khan only secured a lower-tier victory at the Mid-Season Cup 2020, which was a substitute tournament for MSI during the pandemic.
Moreover, the First Stand championship also marks the “first” national achievement for Peanut. Following his championship win at MSI 2017 with SKT T1, HLE has faced numerous strong teams but has yet to reach another national achievement until now.
Zeus Remains a Rising Star on the Competitive Stage After Leaving T1
If the rumors during this transfer season about Zeus are true, he is currently thriving on the competitive stage despite no longer wearing the T1 jersey and competing against Faker. Nevertheless, First Stand is certainly just the beginning, and more importantly, MSI and the upcoming World Championship are on the horizon. In both of these tournaments, if nothing changes, HLE will remain the underdog aiming for a significant championship title.
Thus, Zeus may continue to “live well” regardless of whether he is still with T1 or not, especially with more significant tournaments approaching. Fans can now witness a clearer and more accurate portrayal of his performance. With Zeus finally able to dispel any doubts and showcase his skills, his journey ahead looks promising.
