Q: Han Yi said you failed to meet Zeus's request for a 2 billion annual salary, is that true?
Joe Marsh: That's not true. The agent did not provide any feedback on the offer we sent, so we didn't even have the opportunity to match the offer.
Q: Please describe Zeus's annual salary with your fingers.
Joe Marsh: You need to ask Zeus about that... or it's better to ask Zeus's agent, but you have to make sure you can meet him first.
Q: What was T1's offer to Zeus?
Joe Marsh: I can't disclose the specific details of T1's offer to Zeus. What I can say is that T1 aims to provide the best treatment for each player in every position. Based on this goal, we negotiated with all players including Zeus. Throughout the negotiation process, the agent did not provide us with any counter-proposals. When the agent came to our office on Friday, he said he had "nothing to say," which was puzzling for someone coming to negotiate. After signing three players, we made an additional proposal to Zeus's agent, even though we knew that negotiations should not continue to add proposals without a response, yet we did not receive any counter-proposals or clear answers. We were prepared to match any proposal from Zeus, and if the agent could clearly express their goals, this negotiation could have gone much smoother.
Q: What is the difference in the offer amounts between T1 and HLE?
Joe Marsh: Again, providing the best treatment for each player in every position is the main goal. We were fully prepared to cooperate with Zeus's proposals. But the agent didn't even give us that opportunity. The agency claims that HLE set a "deadline" on their own. However, after Zeus decided to transfer, we confirmed with HLE, and they stated that they had not set any deadline. In this case, I don't know what the truth is. But I trust the claims of HLE, which we have worked with for several years. This is an important decision regarding Zeus's future, and transparency and fairness are necessary, but this so-called strategy seems to have affected the outcome, which is regrettable.
Q: What is the accurate process and situation of Zeus leaving the team? I want to know when he made the decision? What was the reaction of other players and the atmosphere within the team?
Joe Marsh: From our perspective, Zeus made the decision on the morning of the FA period's start. We thought we had basically reached an agreement, but the atmosphere suddenly changed at noon that day. As for the reactions of other players and the team's atmosphere, it is inconvenient to disclose out of respect for the individuals involved.
Q: How do you feel about sending away your own training players?
Joe Marsh: I wouldn't categorize Zeus's transfer as a "missed player." We hoped Zeus would stay at T1 for a long time in the future and did our utmost to achieve that goal. Of course, we feel regret over the player's decision. But I believe everything T1 offers makes it the best place for League of Legends players to grow. Although it's hard to see him leave, we respect his choice and wish him all the best in his future career.
Q: I'm very curious about the backstory of Zeus and Doran's transfer period.
Joe Marsh: Regarding Zeus's transfer, I've already answered that in other questions.
As for Doran, he has always been very eager to join T1, and I think his aggressive playstyle fits very well with T1. We believe Doran has a very high training volume and have given him high praise for that.
Q: What do you think is the biggest reason for not being able to keep Zeus?
Joe Marsh: In my opinion, the biggest factor in losing Zeus is the influence of his agent and agency. This group consistently prioritizes economic interests rather than considering what is truly beneficial for the player from a broader perspective. Their approach often overlooks key factors such as team background, player development, and long-term player career development. In this case, their negotiation strategies and methods are inconsistent with those of professional agents. Although the agent later expressed "apologies," I think this is more about saving face than sincerity. Actions speak louder than words, and their behavior in this matter exposed their true nature.
I want to say that T1 provided Zeus with an environment where he could repeatedly win the World Championship. In terms of competition and career development, we met all the standards. This agency tried to send Zeus to China last year for higher compensation, and it was thanks to Zeus's own initiative in personally contacting kkOma that he ultimately stayed at T1 . This prioritization of economic gain over the overall future interests of the player is concerning. Although we respect Zeus's decision, the agency had a significant impact in leading to this outcome, which I find very regrettable.
Q: How do you feel about the dissolution of ZOFGK?
Unable to make specific requests. There have been significant changes, especially regarding the contract duration. What is most troubling is that the entire process is not transparent or public. We strive to provide the best treatment for players in every position. The first day of free agency was decided to be held at the T1 headquarters, but ultimately, the agreement was not honored, which is regrettable. Q: What is the reason that fans can accept the transfer of T1's successful trainee and superstar player Zeus to a domestic rival team? Joe Marsh: I think Zeus can answer this question better. From my perspective, T1 not only provides players with an environment to win championships but also offers a global platform to help players become brands, providing full support. T1 works hard to offer players opportunities to grow outside of the game. Most importantly, T1's fans give tremendous support to the players and the team, making them even more special. Zeus joined T1 at a very young age and showed potential to become a star player, so we believe that ZOFGK coming together is a natural choice. Therefore, it is difficult to speculate on the reasons behind Zeus's decision to transfer. I am confident that ZOFGK is the strongest roster of all time and has achieved historic success. Although this era seems to have ended too quickly, which is regrettable, I will cherish the achievements they have made. Q: What were the final contract terms you offered to Zeus? Joe Marsh: We are still waiting for his agent to present a proposal. The agent has never told us the numbers they want. We believe our offer is very close to HLE's offer. Q: Did you contact Doran after Zeus signed, or had you reached out before? Joe Marsh: We did not contact Doran before Zeus signed with HLE. Q: Did Zeus decide to leave on his own? Was there any friction with you? Joe Marsh: T1 hoped that Zeus would stay; the decision to leave is the player's personal choice and his right. T1 hopes to keep the ZOFGK combination united. Q: Is there a possibility for Zeus to return in the future? Joe Marsh: Zeus will always be a part of T1. His contributions to T1's history and the name Zeus will always be remembered. Just like coach kkOma, who left in 2019 and returned to win the 2024 World Championship with us, T1 will always keep its doors open for those who have fought alongside T1. I believe that for players, T1 is not just a team but more like a home. From Wolf, Boxer to Untara, Bengi , Tom, T1 has always done its best for the legendary players within the team. Zeus is a player who collaborated in the process of forming T1's legacy, and if he chooses to return to the team, we welcome him anytime. Q: During this attempt to renew Zeus's contract, did Zeus and HLE have any improper contact beforehand? Was their contract improper? Joe Marsh: It is difficult to confirm what happened, so I cannot answer this question.
