Should We End the Comparison Between Gumayusi and Smash?
When Gumayusi had to step down and Smash took over, there was no need to mention the League of Legends community’s “wave of emotions.” Korean fans reacted strongly in various ways while international viewers engaged in discussions and debates. It is undeniable that the comparison between the two players has brought significant insights into T1’s performance through their matches.
Is it really necessary to delve deep into this? Smash is currently receiving both praise and criticism, particularly from a segment of fans who are overly excited as well as anti-fans of T1 who actively criticize Gumayusi. The discourse has spread across various platforms, with some even claiming that Gumayusi was “packaged” out of T1.
This situation is quite challenging for both players. Initially, Smash’s performance was entirely commendable for his personal achievements. Because of this, he might not want to be compared with his predecessor. Especially if comparisons are made against what Gumayusi has accomplished, Smash’s three victories seem relatively small.
Regarding Gumayusi, this is indeed a tough phase for him. Therefore, being compared to his junior does not just signify a lower status but reflects Gumayusi’s substantial contributions to T1 since the Summer Split of 2021, including the titles he has gained with the team.
In both the World Championship and the Spring 2022 LCK title with T1, Gumayusi’s impact was particularly significant, even more so than players like Zeus or Keria. For instance, during the 1v2 play against JD Gaming in the 2023 World Championship semifinals, or as the MVP in the semifinals against Gen.G at the 2024 World Championship. The winning streak that T1 has enjoyed since the Spring Split of 2022 has also been largely built around the synergy between Guma and Keria.
T1 is Thriving, and Gumayusi – Smash Also Has Their Own Dynamics
In every sport up to now, there has never been a position that is “exempt from scrutiny.” Moreover, in some less significant matches, star players are still ready to show up to prepare for larger competitions. Even in esports, it follows a similar trend. When T1 decided to resolve the “unannounced substitution,” every comparison seemed to fade away.
Every comparison can negatively impact the teams involved. This is something to avoid, especially when Gumayusi has been with the team for a long time while Smash still has a future ahead of him.
