Gumayusi Abandons T1 LoL Team

Gumayusi Abandons Faker's T1 Squad, Peyz to Replace Him the New ADC

The League of Legends offseason has barely begun and it already delivered one of the biggest shocks in recent LCK history. After seven years with T1, Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyung has officially stepped away from the roster and declared free agency. His exit comes just weeks after securing a historic third consecutive Worlds title, a moment that cemented his rank among the greatest AD carries in LoL Esports.

Many fans expected T1 to continue forward with the same championship roster, but the departure of their long-standing bot laner signals a major turning point for the organization. For a player who spent his career boosting the team’s dominance on the international stage, the move marks the end of a legendary run.

Closing a Legendary Era

Gumayusi’s journey with T1 is one of perseverance, mechanical dominance, and a relentless drive to improve. His seven-year tenure saw him evolve from a highly anticipated rookie into one of the most feared AD carries in the world. With multiple LCK titles, an undefeated domestic split, and three Worlds trophies, he leaves behind a legacy that will be referenced throughout future LoL seasons.

His personal statement captured both pride and emotion as he reflected on his time with the team. He recalled joining T1 with the belief that it was “where the best belongs”, and described pushing through every setback, determined to achieve something unforgettable. Those goals became reality with back-to-back-to-back Worlds victories, along with a Finals MVP title that reaffirmed his place at the top of the competitive scene.

The 2025 season was far from smooth, especially after he was temporarily benched in favor of rookie player Shin “Smash” Geum-jae. The decision sparked intense debate within the community, and it took intervention from CEO Joe Marsh to bring Gumayusi back into the starting roster. Instead of letting the pressure break him, he answered with one of the most dominant Worlds performances of his career, helping T1 rise above KT Rolster and lifting the Summoner’s Cup once again.

The Impact on T1’s Future Rank and Ambitions

With Gumayusi stepping away, T1 faces a crucial rebuilding moment. The organization has relied on his consistency and playmaking for years, and replacing an AD carry of his calibre is never easy. Now the spotlight turns to T1’s rumored next move, which could shape the entire direction of the 2026 season.

Reports point to Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan as the leading candidate to take over the bot lane position. Peyz spent the 2025 season competing with JD Gaming in the LPL, where he delivered an impressive first split and helped the squad secure a top three finish. The rest of the year proved more turbulent as roster and coaching changes disrupted JDG’s momentum, eventually leading to a narrow loss in the Regional Finals against Invictus Gaming.

Even with the ups and downs, Peyz remains one of the brightest young talents in League of Legends. He became the youngest bot laner to ever win an LCK trophy, a record that highlights both his potential and his ability to perform under pressure. Returning to the LCK would give him the chance to rebuild his form, but stepping into T1’s lineup means taking on the enormous task of filling Gumayusi’s shoes.

A Bot Lane Transition That Could Define 2026

If the transfer goes through, T1 will be navigating a crucial balance between maintaining its championship identity and adapting to a new style of play. Peyz is known for his aggressive laning and high mechanical ceiling, traits that mirror what made Gumayusi such a dominant force. The question now is whether T1 can integrate him smoothly and continue boosting their rank in both the LCK and at Worlds. For fans, the move promises a fresh storyline heading into the new season.

Gumayusi leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future stars, while T1 prepares for the next chapter with a rising talent ready to prove himself on one of the world’s biggest stages.

T1’s bot lane shift is more than a roster change. It is a defining moment that will influence the team’s long-term success in competitive LoL. As the offseason continues, all eyes will remain on the organization to see how they rebuild, boost their strengths, and fight to remain at the top of League of Legends esports.

 

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