T1’s Continuous Rise Sparks Controversy on Smash Day with Gumayusi
In the recent match titled “Elite Warriors,” many observers were taken aback when T1 decided to replace Gumayusi with Smash in the starting lineup. Given the current strength of KT, which is quite formidable and has been underperforming, a victory for T1 was expected. However, the controversy surrounding T1’s decision has raised eyebrows, especially with actions deemed to be “adding fuel to the fire.”
Initially, it was the head coach KkOma who did not mention Gumayusi’s performance during the first two matches of T1 in the 2025 Regular Season. However, he later praised Smash, stating: “That player performed well today, but we need to observe closely to understand the playstyle of that player.”
Furthermore, fans noticed that despite KkOma’s apology to Gumayusi, he had been silent since the team’s current roster was announced at LCK Cup almost three months ago. Throughout this period, discussions and controversies arose, including claims that Gumayusi was not allowed to scrim, yet he continued to remain silent.
According to many fans, KkOma’s apology now seems unnecessary, as Gumayusi had already adapted to the situation, and (almost) everyone knew that this roster would be in play following their recent loss to Gen.G.
Next, it was the General Manager Becker who made headlines. In a recent statement, he changed the name of his YouTube channel to “From the Perspective of Smash’s Father.” This can be seen as a reaction to the ongoing support for Smash from Becker. However, he has yet to make any significant contributions to T1’s history compared to other teams.
The Future of Gumayusi Looks Grim
With T1’s announcement, the chances of Gumayusi returning to the field in the near future seem very slim. Moreover, even when T1 faces HLE, if T1’s announcement is accurate, Gumayusi will likely find it hard to return. The Regular Season is a continuous series. Therefore, it is conceivable that, unless T1 urgently needs to replace their roster for international tournaments, Gumayusi may only have a chance to return later.
However, it seems that he has already become accustomed to the situation and that he, like no one else, will have to endure this for a long time.
