Gumayusi returns to T1 starting lineup: Merit or Marketing

After lifting back-to-back Worlds trophies with Lee "Gumayusi" Min-hyeon, T1 made the surprising decision to bench the ADC in favor of their academy star Sin "Smash" Geum-jae during the 2025 LCK Cup.

Now, T1 has taken to X (Twitter) to announce that Gumayusi will be the team's starting ADC once more when the 2025 LCK Season sets off on April 2nd.

One of the most iconic players in recent years, Gumayusi is returning to the stage at the 2025 LCK Season. (Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games)

Gumayusi returns at the request of the CEO

Gumayusi's return was announced through a statement made by none other than Joe Marsh, CEO of T1. In his statement, Marsh made it clear that the iconic ADC's return to the starting lineup came at his own explicit request.

"I have complete trust in ‘Becker,’ ‘kkOma,’ 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. 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."

Though not entirely clear, the wording in the statement suggests that the decision to bring back Gumayusi to the starting lineup could have been made against the wishes of the Head Coach and other members of the staff who may have felt Smash was better suited for the teams' needs at this time.

"With a new roster in 2025 and significant changes to the game, our BOT must once again evolve into a hyper-carry position. I have full confidence that ‘Gumayusi’ can adapt and thrive in this role, just as he has before."

Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Gumayusi performs when the 2025 LCK Season comes around, and whether a few bad performances from the team will be enough to see the ADC moved to the bench once more.

Indeed, Marsh and T1 made it clear in their announcement that the team has full intentions of letting Smash compete for the starting spot with Gumayusi. With one of the greatest ADCs of all time back on the lineup, only time will tell whether his stay at the 2025 LCK Season will last, or if T1 will resort to Smash once more when the going gets rough.

"While ‘Gumayusi’ will be starting the season, he and ‘Smash’ will be competing in practice and pushing each other throughout the year. The coaching staff will ultimately determine which player gives us the best chance to win in the long run, and that player will play."

After benching Gumayusi for Smash, T1 were eliminated in the first round of playoffs at the 2025 LCK Cup. (Credit: LCK)

A fan favorite returns

As a part of the legendary ZOFGK lineup that made three consecutive Worlds Finals appearances and won back-to-back Worlds titles, Gumayusi has long been one of the most beloved players among T1 fans.

At the time of his benching during the LCK Cup earlier this year, fans were livid not only regarding Gumayusi's benching, but also at the fact that the move came as a surprise to just about everybody. Despite the team's enormous fan base, T1 failed to properly communicate the decision ahead of time, or even provide enough clarity after the fact regarding the thought process behind the move.

"I acknowledge that our silence, along with some missteps in timing related to roster images and sponsor commitments, contributed to the confusion. For that, I sincerely apologize to our loyal fans and partners. Roster changes are always met with mixed reactions, but I ask that you continue to support all six of our players as they strive to bring victory to T1."

With T1 now taking a polarizing route to announce the legendary ADC's comeback, the question has to be asked: Was Gumayusi's return based on merit and the team's needs, or was T1 forced to bring back an old fan-favorite to appease the masses?

Gumayusi will now seek to provide the answer to that question himself when T1 take to the stage with the reigning World Champion back in the mix. Though the 2025 LCK Season starts on April 2nd, T1 stand to play their first match of the tournament against DRX on Friday, April 4th.

Gumayusi and Keria will be reunited in the bot lane once more for the start of the 2025 LCK Season. (Credit: Adela Sznajder/Riot Games)

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Featured image credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

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