Fans can see Gumayusi play again, but there’s a caveat.
T1 League of Legends fans have been up in arms about the situation in the bottom lane. This year, two-time champion Lee "Gumayusi" Min-hyeong was benched in favor of rookie Sin "Smash" Geum-jae. This abrupt change sent T1 LoL fans haywire, and T1 CEO Joe Marsh took to the org's official accounts to address the ADC hubbub for the upcoming LCK season.
Gumayusi returns, but Smash stays in T1 LoL roster
Joe Marsh's statement was posted on official T1 social media accounts.
"I understand that many of you have been frustrated by our silence regarding roster changes and the possibility of a six-man lineup," Joe Marsh opened. He then clarified that this was not due to them disregarding the fans, but instead because of internal discussions to find the best path forward.
He then confirmed that the six-man lineup will be a reality. "I have complete trust in [General Manager Jeong "Becker" Hoi-yoon], [Head Coach Kim "KkOma" Jeong-gyun], and the coaching staff, and after extensive conversations with them, I have requested that Gumayusi be part of the starting lineup and as a result, he will be starting when the regular season begins," says Joe Marsh. "This decision was not made lightly - but as CEO, it is my responsibility to take a long-term view and ensure the best interests of T1."
Related articles
How will the T1 LoL six-man roster work?
Gumayusi will be the starting bot laner, but he and Smash will be competing in practice and "pushing each other" throughout the year. Afterward, the coaching staff will determine which lineup gives T1 the best chance in the long run.
This is nothing new for T1 - they used to run a ten-man roster back in 2021. While they didn't achieve much in that year, it resulted in them fielding the ZOFGK roster in the following years, and we all know how successful that squad was.
Joe Marsh addresses talent and fans
He praised both Gumayusi and Smash's performances. "I have full confidence that Gumayusi can adapt annd thrive [as a hyper-carry], just as he has before. More importantly, I believe he has earned the right to prove himself once again as one of the world's best [bot laners]."
"We are confident in [T1 Smash's] growth and believe he has the potential to develop into an exceptional player," says Joe Marsh.
Meanwhile, he addressed the discourse among T1 fans. "It has been disheartening to see division within our community," he says. "Our platforms should be a place to celebrate all of our players, not to create conflict."
He did, however, acknowledge the org's missteps. "I sincerely apologize to our loyal fans and partners... I ask that you continue to support all six of our players as they strive to bring victory to T1."
Stick around esports.gg for more League of Legends news and updates.
