Shopify Was Interested in Other Players Too

According to sources, SR's first option was Lim "Quid" Hyun-seung, and they also considered Tsai "hongQ" Ming-hong and Joseph "Jojopyun" Pyun. The latter could have joined the roster if Kacper "Inspired" Słoma was signed, but that option was quickly dismissed. In 2025,  Movistar KOI  also showed interest in Zinie, but KT refused to negotiate at the time.

During this off-season, Zinie was a free agent, attracting interest not only from LCS clubs.  Karmine Corp  ultimately chose Kan "kyeahoo" Ea-hoo. Offers were also discussed with teams from the LCK and LPL , but Yu Baek-jin didn't find a project that met his expectations.  Cloud9  held talks but settled on Ein "APA" Sterns.

Strong Dominance in Korea's Second Division

Zinie had two outstanding seasons in LCK CL — he won both splits in 2024, was twice named MVP of the regular season, and in 2025 achieved a "triple crown" by winning the LCK CL Kickoff. His main picks included Annie (20 matches), Azir (16), and Ahri (15), along with Taliyah, Yone, and Corki. In spring 2025, KT Challengers lost the title to FearX Youth in the grand finals.

Last season, SR played with Cristian "Palafox" Palafox and finished third in the region twice. The team qualified for the LTA 2025 Championship but was eliminated in the first round by  RED Canids . Signing Zinie represents a shift in approach at the center of the map and a focus on development, which could bring Shopify closer to the LCS leaders and the fight for international spots.