Riot Honours Shushei with Free Skin

League of Legends Gives Away Free Gragas Skin to Honour Shushei

The League of Legends community is mourning the loss of a true pioneer. Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak, one of the first-ever LoL World Champions, passed away on April 28 at the age of 36 after a long and private battle with cancer. In his honour, Riot Games has given all players the opportunity to unlock a free Fnatic Gragas skin—one of the most iconic picks from Shushei's legendary run in 2011.

It’s a heartfelt tribute to a player who helped shape competitive League of Legends in its earliest days, and the move has resonated deeply with fans old and new.

A Champion Remembered

Shushei made history as a member of Fnatic, the team that claimed the title at the very first League of Legends World Championship in 2011. Though the tradition of giving championship skins didn’t formally begin until Season 2—with the Taipei Assassins—Fnatic later received their own commemorative skins, including the now-famous Fnatic Gragas.

Gragas was a staple in Shushei’s playstyle. He piloted the champion throughout the tournament, including in the finals against Against All Authority, another European powerhouse at the time. Now, players can earn this skin for free simply by playing three games as Gragas.

It’s a small gesture, but one that keeps Shushei’s legacy alive in the very game he helped bring into the spotlight.

The “Shushei Forever” Title

In addition to the skin, Riot has also added an in-game title—“Shushei Forever”—available to all players. It's a permanent reminder of his contribution to LoL esports and a way for players to carry his name into the Rift each time they queue up.

For many fans, this tribute goes beyond cosmetics. It’s a recognition of Shushei’s impact, not just as a competitor, but as a personality who helped boost the game's popularity during its formative years.

Off-Meta, On Point

What made Shushei so memorable wasn’t just his championship win but his unique playstyle. He was famous for choosing unconventional mid lane picks like Alistar, Aatrox, and Maokai—champions rarely seen in that role, even today. He often built them with ability power, taking advantage of League of Legends’ early, often chaotic, champion scaling.

In a meta that was still forming, Shushei thrived on creativity and unpredictability. That style didn’t just win him games; it won him fans. His influence still echoes through the current LoL scene, where off-meta builds and flexible picks are more accepted than ever.

A Life Lived with Passion

Shushei continued to be a part of the LoL scene after his time with Fnatic. He played for multiple European teams, including DragonBorns during the inaugural EU LCS split, before retiring from professional play in late 2012. One of his most iconic moments came off-stage: after a tournament win, he celebrated a bit too hard and accidentally sent his teammate HosaN tumbling with a real-life “Body Slam”—a fitting nod to his Gragas main.

Even after stepping away from pro play, Shushei never stopped gaming. He remained active in the community, often streaming late into the night for a dedicated group of fans. That passion for the game, the community, and the people around him is what so many will remember.

A Tribute That Inspires

Riot’s tribute reminds players of the human stories behind the champions. For newer LoL fans who may not know Shushei’s name, this moment is a chance to learn about a key figure in the game's competitive history. For veteran players, it's a meaningful way to honour a legend.

Whether you're a returning player or grinding to climb the rank ladder today, taking the time to unlock the Fnatic Gragas skin is more than just a cosmetic boost—it’s a tribute to someone who helped shape the League of Legends we know now.

So queue up, pick Gragas, and raise a barrel in his honour. Shushei may be gone, but thanks to this tribute, his legacy in League of Legends will live on.

 

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