Just days before the start of LTA North Split 3, Dignitas has announced the signing of veteran top laner Kyeong “Photon” Gyu-tae.
The surprise announcement comes just before the final circuit of the 2025 season, and could play a pivotal role in Dignitas’ last attempt to qualify for Worlds 2025. Photon will fill the empty top lane by Jett “Srtty” Joye, who will remain with the organization as a streamer. Photon brings experience from both the LEC and LCK, previously playing for Gen.G Scholars, T1 Academy, and Team Vitality. This marks yet another Korean veteran switching to another region.
Will Photon Help Dignitas Reach Worlds 2025?
Photon’s arrival helps Dignitas’ chance of reaching the Worlds stage, but the team still has a long road ahead of it.
Dignitas has struggled in 2025, failing to reach the playoffs in either split so far. However, the team has missed the cutoff by only the narrowest of margins. In Split 1, the squad lost to an in-form FlyQuest that eventually earned 3rd-4th. Split 2 went slightly better despite a disappointing 1-6 season record. After falling in its group, the team rallied against LYON in an elimination match for a playoff berth. The miracle run was just a dream as it quickly fell 1-3 to Team Liquid in the opening round.
Image Credit: Riot Games
Most fans agree that Photon will be an upgrade in the top lane. His individual performance in this year’s TCL splits was admirable, and he helped Vitality reach the grand finals of LEC 2024 Spring the year prior. Still, others doubt his ability to elevate the team, citing Vitality’s struggles in the positioning phases of those same splits.
Either way, fans will get to see his impact very soon. The third split of the 2025 LTA season starts on July 26 , giving the squad 48 hours to adjust to the roster change. Dignitas will debut its new lineup against Shopify Rebellion on July 27 at 6 pm CT on the official LTA North Twitch channel.