The Valorant offseason has barely started, and the first big roster rumor is already circulating around T1. According to a report by Tanmay Mhatre that cites sources close to Sheep Esports, the organization is preparing to part ways with three players: Byeon “Munchkin” Sang-beom, Kim “Meteor” Tae-oh and Kang “DH” Dong-ho. T1 has not confirmed any of the moves, so for now this remains an unofficial report.
Who Is Reportedly Leaving
Munchkin returned to T1 for a second stint with the organization, and his contract runs out this year. The same applies to Meteor, who was widely regarded as one of the strongest performers in VCT Pacific this season. That is exactly why the reported decision not to extend him raises eyebrows.
The case of DH is different. He was recalled from the academy team and started part of Stage 2 as a substitute, and he is signed through 2027. If he does leave, it would be a departure before a contract has run its natural course rather than a simple non-renewal.
The Core That Stays
On the other side of the ledger, Ham “iZu” Woo-Joo is under contract until 2027. Yu “BuZz” Byung-chul and Kim “stax” Gu-taek are reportedly in talks about their futures, and T1 is said to be keen on keeping both. If they re-sign, the group that qualified for Masters Santiago and pushed into the Champions playoffs would remain largely intact.
Why the Timing Matters
T1 just finished fifth to sixth at Champions in Shanghai, the organization’s best result at the event, before G2 knocked them out. Building on that run is the obvious goal, especially since T1 secured a place among the eight VCT Pacific partner teams for the new cycle. Roster stability could therefore be worth more than a flashy overhaul. Our look at the Champions grand final shows how quickly the competitive landscape is moving heading into 2027.
For anyone following the market side of the scene, offseason transfers are one of the main drivers of early futures and outright markets. Before you act on any rumor, remember that unconfirmed reports can change quickly, and if you are comparing offers, a primer on welcome bonuses helps you understand the terms before you sign up anywhere.
What to Watch Next
Expect official announcements from T1 in the coming weeks, along with moves from the other Pacific partner teams as free agents hit the market. The verdict on Meteor will be the most telling: if a player of his standing really is available, rival organizations are likely to move fast.
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