Gumayusi’s Departure: The Moment That Shook the LCK
For nearly a decade, T1 has stood as the gold standard in League of Legends esports. But on November 17, 2025, the unthinkable happened: Lee ‘Gumayusi’ Min-hyeong, the team’s iconic bot laner, parted ways with the organization. The announcement, made via T1’s social media and a heartfelt farewell video, reverberated through the global esports community and sent shockwaves across the LCK. Gumayusi, a three-time Worlds champion and 2025 Finals MVP, had become synonymous with T1’s winning culture. Now, he steps away, leaving fans and analysts alike asking: what’s next for T1—and for Gumayusi himself?
Seven Years of Triumphs and Turning Points
Gumayusi’s journey with T1 began in 2018, and his progression mirrored the evolution of the team itself. Early years saw him sharing playtime with former ADC Teddy, yet by 2021, he had claimed the starting role. From there, Gumayusi anchored a legendary run: multiple LCK finals, three straight Worlds championships (2023-2025), and a reputation as the “greatest ADC of all time.” His synergy with support Ryu ‘Keria’ Min-seok became a defining feature of T1’s strategy, with their aggressive, inventive play setting new standards for bot lane duos worldwide.
But the road wasn’t always smooth. The 2025 season began with a jolt: Gumayusi was benched in favor of academy prospect Shin ‘Smash’ Geum-jae, a move that left fans baffled and the roster in flux. According to Esports News UK, it took direct intervention from CEO Joe Marsh to reinstate Gumayusi, and from there, he staged one of the most compelling redemption arcs in LCK history. Not only did T1 recover form, finishing runners-up at MSI and second in the LCK regular season, but they once again “weaved their magic” in playoffs, culminating in a third consecutive Worlds victory. Gumayusi’s performance in the finals against KT Rolster was so dominant that he earned the Finals MVP award, handed to him by Hall of Famer Jian ‘Uzi’ Zihao.
The End of the OFGK Era and the Challenge Ahead
Gumayusi’s departure marks the dismantling of T1’s storied OFGK (Oner, Faker, Gumayusi, Keria) lineup, a roster that made history with its threepeat. With top laner Choi ‘Zeus’ Woo-je having left in late 2024, the end of this era feels definitive. Only Faker, Oner, and Keria remain signed, with contracts extending through at least 2026 for most, and Faker committed until 2029. The emotional farewell from T1 underscored the sense of loss: “The trophies we lifted together and the legacy he built will always be a proud part of our history and in the hearts of our fans. We are deeply grateful for his dedication, sacrifice, and incredible performances throughout his years with us.” (Shane the Gamer)
For fans, perhaps the greatest heartbreak is the breakup of Gumayusi and Keria—the bot lane duo whose chemistry and bold decision-making defined T1’s play for years. Their partnership was often described as one of the greatest in League of Legends history, shaping not just victories but the very culture of the team.
Who Fills the Void? The Rumor Mill and the Next Generation
T1 now faces the daunting task of replacing not just a player, but a legacy. Multiple reports, including Sheep Esports and Hotspawn, point to Kim ‘Peyz’ Su-hwan as the leading candidate. Peyz, a three-time LCK champion and one of the youngest to ever lift the trophy, spent 2025 with JD Gaming in the LPL. Despite JDG’s promising start, their season faltered, and Peyz was left without a team in Korea following his exit from Gen.G. With his return to the LCK seemingly imminent, Peyz will have enormous shoes to fill—stepping into the void left by a player who defined an era.
Other contenders have been floated: Park ‘Ruler’ Jae-hyuk, who replaced Peyz at Gen.G, and HLE’s Park ‘Viper’ Do-hyeon, who is now a free agent. The entire bot lane ecosystem in the LCK feels poised for a shakeup, with Gumayusi’s exit acting as the catalyst for a new generation of talent and rivalries.
Gumayusi’s Farewell: A New Journey Awaits
In his own words, Gumayusi described leaving T1 as “starting a new chapter, another journey to prove myself.” He has not yet revealed his next destination, fueling speculation from fans and pundits alike. Some theorize a move to Hanwha Life Esports, which could reunite him with Zeus. Others wonder if he’ll make the leap to the LPL, or even pursue opportunities further abroad. For now, Gumayusi remains one of the most coveted free agents in the world, and wherever he lands, he will carry the weight of expectation as a three-time world champion and Finals MVP.
His message to fans struck a chord: “There were so many good times and a lot of hard ones too. But you still stood by me and loved me as T1’s Gumayusi. For that, I’m extremely grateful. This news might feel disappointing, but I’ll still be Gumayusi. I hope you’ll keep rooting for me, all the way to the end.” (Esports.gg)
The Legacy of Gumayusi and the Road Ahead for T1
As the LCK offseason unfolds, T1 must adapt—not just in terms of roster, but in spirit. The organization has re-signed top laner Choi ‘Doran’ Hyeon-joon for another year, stabilizing the upper side of the map. Oner and Keria remain, and with Faker’s contract extending to 2029, the backbone of T1’s dynasty is still intact. Yet, the challenge is clear: how to rebuild around a new ADC, maintain championship standards, and honor the legacy left by Gumayusi and the OFGK lineup.
Gumayusi’s journey is a testament to resilience, growth, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. His departure may close one chapter, but it opens countless possibilities—for himself, for T1, and for the global League of Legends community.
Gumayusi’s exit from T1 marks a pivotal shift in the League of Legends landscape. His legacy as a three-time world champion and MVP cements him as one of the game’s greatest, but the true impact lies in how T1—and the LCK—respond to his absence. The coming season will test the organization’s ability to evolve, and Gumayusi’s next move may well redefine the bot lane meta for years to come.