Quick Read
- Gumayusi leaves T1 after seven years, ending a legendary era.
- He won three consecutive Worlds titles and was named 2025 Finals MVP.
- T1 is expected to sign Peyz as the new ADC, with other candidates considered.
- Gumayusi’s next team is unknown, fueling speculation across esports.
- The move triggers a major shakeup in the LCK bot lane ecosystem.
Gumayusi’s Exit: The End of an Era at T1
On November 17, 2025, the League of Legends community was shaken as Lee ‘Gumayusi’ Min-hyeong announced his departure from T1, closing the chapter on one of the most successful bot lane careers in esports history. After seven years, three consecutive Worlds championships, and the 2025 Finals MVP award, Gumayusi’s exit marks not just the end of a dynasty, but the start of a new era for T1 and the LCK. The OFGK lineup—Oner, Faker, Gumayusi, Keria—has been fractured, with only Faker, Oner, and Keria remaining. The organization’s emotional farewell highlighted Gumayusi’s impact: “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.” (Shane the Gamer)
Gumayusi’s journey was marked by resilience and brilliance. Starting in 2018, he fought for his place in the lineup, eventually claiming the starting ADC role and forming a legendary duo with support Ryu ‘Keria’ Min-seok. Their synergy set new standards for bot lane play, driving T1’s aggressive and innovative style. But his last season wasn’t without turmoil; after a controversial benching for academy prospect Shin ‘Smash’ Geum-jae, Gumayusi returned to lead T1 to another Worlds title, proving his worth on the grandest stage.
Why Did Gumayusi Leave? Behind the Scenes and Fan Reactions
While T1’s official statements focused on celebration and gratitude, Gumayusi’s own words hinted at deeper motivations. In a farewell video, he said, “I feel like my professional achievements have reached their conclusion with T1. I’m starting a new journey.” The pressure and emotion were palpable—he admitted to feeling sadness and anxiety about leaving the team that had become his home. Speculation swirled among fans: some believed he left due to management decisions and the stress of repeated roster changes, while others saw his departure as a natural evolution for a player seeking new challenges. One fan described his comeback and subsequent exit as “the biggest power move I’ve seen, wow,” while others questioned the logic behind his replacement. The debate on TikTok and other social platforms ranged from critiques of T1’s management to praise for their championship record, reflecting the uncertainty and anticipation now gripping the scene (Distractify).
Gumayusi’s farewell message resonated deeply: “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.” The question now is not only where Gumayusi will go next, but how T1 will adapt and compete without the player who defined their bot lane identity.
Peyz: The Heir Apparent and the Pressure of Legacy
Amid the uncertainty, one name has emerged as the leading candidate to fill Gumayusi’s shoes: Kim ‘Peyz’ Su-hwan. According to reports from Sheep Esports and Hotspawn, Peyz is expected to join T1 as their new ADC. Peyz’s credentials are impressive: a three-time LCK champion, he first rose to prominence with Gen.G, winning LCK Spring and MSI in his rookie year. In 2025, Peyz played for JD Gaming in the LPL, where he stood out as a talented carry despite his team’s struggles. Now, returning to Korea, Peyz faces enormous expectations—not just to perform, but to sustain the championship legacy left by Gumayusi.
The challenge is immense. Peyz will be stepping into a role that demands both mechanical excellence and the ability to gel with T1’s established core of Faker, Oner, and Keria. Fans are divided; some see Peyz as a worthy successor, citing his rapid ascent and proven skill, while others question whether anyone can truly replace Gumayusi. As one TikTok user put it, “Peyz is the worst choice for a replacement. But I guess T1 wanna make the worlds run as hard for Faker to carry as possible.” The pressure on Peyz will be relentless, and every mistake will be magnified under the spotlight reserved for T1’s bot lane.
Other names have surfaced in the rumor mill—Park ‘Ruler’ Jae-hyuk, now at Gen.G, and Park ‘Viper’ Do-hyeon, a free agent from Hanwha Life Esports—but Peyz remains the frontrunner. The entire LCK bot lane ecosystem is in flux, with Gumayusi’s exit setting off a cascade of roster moves and new rivalries.
What’s Next for T1 and the LCK?
T1’s offseason strategy now hinges on adaptation and continuity. With top laner Choi ‘Doran’ Hyeon-joon re-signing for another year, the team has stabilized its upper lane. Faker’s contract extends through 2029, ensuring that the heart of T1’s legacy remains intact. Oner and Keria, both crucial to the team’s identity, are also committed for the coming seasons. Yet, the bot lane will be a crucible for change: how quickly Peyz can integrate, and whether the team can maintain its championship standards, will define their success in 2026.
For Gumayusi, the future is wide open. Rumors suggest possible moves to Hanwha Life Esports, a return to the LPL, or even a stint in Western leagues. Wherever he lands, Gumayusi carries the weight of expectation as a three-time world champion and Finals MVP—a player whose next chapter could reshape the global meta.
The broader LCK landscape is poised for transformation. With legends spreading across new teams and young talent rising, the competition is fiercer than ever. T1’s response to Gumayusi’s departure—whether through strategic innovation or renewed chemistry—will set the tone for the league’s evolution in 2026 and beyond.
As T1 embarks on a new journey with Peyz, the move underscores a universal truth in esports: dynasties eventually change, but the hunger for greatness endures. The coming season will test not only Peyz’s ability to inherit a legacy, but also T1’s capacity to reinvent itself in the face of seismic shifts—a challenge that will echo across the LCK and shape the storylines of competitive League for years to come.