Summary:
- Three-time world champion and T1’s AD carry Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong has officially parted ways with the LCK organization.
- With his departure, Gumayusi has entered free agency and has yet to announce which team he would transfer to.
- Sources claim that another LCK org, Hanwha Life Esports will sign Gumayusi as their new AD carry, while T1 is reportedly signing Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan from JD Gaming.
It’s the end of an era in LoL esports as T1 confirmed that Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong is officially leaving the team. The news surprised many fans, especially since he had just won Worlds 2025 as FMVP and was expected to re-sign. After seven years with T1, he departs with three Worlds titles and one LCK championship. At the same time, T1 confirmed that top laner Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon has extended his contract through 2026.
A New Chapter for Gumayusi
T1 posted a farewell video for the 23-year-old AD Carry, where T1 Gumayusi said he is ready to start “a new chapter” and prove himself once again. He has not announced his next team, remaining as a free agent as of the moment. However, some sources claim that the ADC is set to join Hanwha Life Esports, the same organization that signed his former teammate Choi “Zeus” Woo-je for 2025.
T1 has yet to announce who could possibly replace Gumayusi in T1’s lineup. However, reports suggest that rising star Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan will join T1 as the new AD Carry for 2026. The young player has previously represented Gen.G in the LCK and JD Gaming in the LPL.
T1 Gumayusi: Show and Prove
During his years with T1, Gumayusi built an impressive legacy. His consistency and impressive mechanics made him a very reliable ADC player, shining on champions like Varus, Caitlyn, Xayah, and Jinx. He became one of the world’s top ADCs, winning an LCK title and three straight World Championship trophies alongside Oner, Faker, and Keria. He even earned Finals MVP in his match against KT Rolster, ending the year on a high note despite earlier struggles.
At the start of the season, T1 Gumayusi temporarily lost his starting spot to academy player Shin “Smash” Geum-jae. T1 CEO Joe Marsh later brought him back into the main lineup, and Gumayusi responded with stronger performances than ever. His carry plays at Worlds proved his value and showed why he is considered one of the best in the role.
The End of an Era
Gumayusi leaving is a big moment for both T1 and the whole LCK. With him gone, another member of the famous ZOFGK (Zeus, Oner, Faker, Gumayusi, and Keria) lineup is now leaving, just like Zeus did last year. His departure also ends his long partnership with Keria, which was one of the most beloved ADC–support duos in the league.
Doran Stays With T1 Through 2026
Even though T1 lost their star ADC, they still have a solid top laner. T1 confirmed that Doran has extended his contract, so he will stay with the team until 2026. This decision wasn’t surprising because it would be hard for T1 to find a better player for his role.
Doran is coming off a huge milestone: winning his first Worlds title. After many years of close finishes and difficult seasons, he finally lifted the Summoner’s Cup with T1. He also shared that his Worlds skin will be made for the champion Ambessa.
By keeping Doran, T1 now has a reliable base for next season. Their main lineup will likely be Doran, Oner, Faker, and Keria—along with a new ADC.
Conclusion
The era of T1 Gumayusi has been truly remarkable. Throughout seven years, he had constantly proven and outdone himself each year as the team’s reliable ADC. While his exit is heartbreaking for many fans, a lot of people are excited to support him on his next team. For T1, the main concern now is how well they can adapt to a new botlane duo and whether they can still win major tournaments without such a key player.
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