In a seismic shift within the League of Legends esports scene, Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong has officially parted ways with T1, marking the end of an illustrious chapter for both the player and the organization. The 23-year-old South Korean AD Carry, who has become a household name in the competitive gaming community, leaves T1 after a remarkable seven-year tenure, during which he celebrated three consecutive World Championship victories alongside one LCK title.
Much like Choi “Zeus” Woo-je’s departure from T1 the previous year, Gumayusi’s exit signifies a significant transition for the team, evoking a sense of nostalgia and heartbreak among LCK fans. This leaves a notable void in T1’s roster, particularly in the much-celebrated partnership between Gumayusi and Ryu “Keria” Min-seok, which has been a cornerstone of the team’s success.
Gumayusi’s relationship with T1 experienced turbulence this past season, notably when he was temporarily benched in favor of Shin “Smash” Geum-jae. Following T1 CEO Joe Marsh’s intervention, he reclaimed his starting position and quickly bounced back, reaffirming his title as the world’s premier AD Carry. His accolades culminated with his performance at the latest Worlds, where he was named MVP of the finals.
His departure signals an end to an era in T1’s storied history, a narrative that began to shift with Zeus’s exit. With only three members remaining from the legendary ZOFGK lineup, fans are left speculating about the future of the organization. Notably, Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon’s future remains uncertain as his contract approaches its end, alongside Zeus, who is also facing a pivotal moment in his career at Hanwha Life Esports. Meanwhile, standout players Mun “Oner” Hyeon-jun, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, and Keria are secured with T1, with Faker contracted until 2029 and the others until 2026.
Gumayusi’s journey in professional gaming began toward the end of 2020 with a near miss at the Worlds qualification. Following a year marked by player rotations, he finally secured a full-time starting role, which propelled him into a string of successes. His tenure is highlighted by titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025 as a world champion, and multiple appearances in finals, showcasing his growth as a player.
As he departs T1, Gumayusi does so with a legacy defined by excellence and triumph. His next steps remain a mystery, but there is palpable excitement among fans and analysts as they anticipate what horizons he will choose to conquer next. The esports community holds its breath, eager to see how this pivotal moment will reshape the landscape of competitive League of Legends.