T1’s Controversial Decision on Gumayusi’s Role Sparks Fan Outrage
Recently, Becker, the General Manager of T1, officially addressed the ongoing issues surrounding Gumayusi – Smash, which has continuously stirred up controversies since the beginning of 2025. To summarize Becker’s statements: T1’s decision to replace Smash was based on the coaching staff’s requirements and had nothing to do with Gumayusi’s performance; Gumayusi is allowed to choose to observe scrims or play solo ranks; Smash will be given exclusive rights like other team members; T1 has yet to announce their roster for the LCK Regular Seasons.
However, this statement has only fueled more frustration among T1 fans. No one seems to understand why T1 would allow Gumayusi to choose “to observe scrims” as a privilege. Meanwhile, Becker has firmly denied that the change from Smash was due to Gumayusi’s performance. Thus, the implication is: A player who is currently a world champion must sit and watch their younger sibling compete, not because of their own poor performance, but due to the coaching staff’s decisions.
On various platforms, the backlash has been strong enough that T1 had to delete a clip regarding this issue, but fans quickly recaptured it. One comment on X stated: “T1 should let Gumayusi sign contracts with others because he wants to showcase his loyalty, not just play ranked in the stream room all day.”
T1 Is Becoming More and More Controversial
Clearly, Becker’s comments reveal that T1 has made a significant misstep in handling the situation with Gumayusi. Even fans who are typically supportive of T1’s decisions are starting to view the situation differently. If the usual narrative is that these fans are supportive of the roster changes, then Becker’s revelations have not changed that much for them.
Moreover, continuous ranked games, while they might show potential, surely cannot compare to actual competitive matches. And when Gumayusi is not performing well in competition, no one can guarantee T1 will maintain this lineup. Especially when fans have discovered that T1 does not handle communications well regarding the messages only directed at players in Membership.
As the season just begins, and despite the lack of anti-fans, even T1’s own fans are very frustrated with the way this team is operating.
