A key player for T1 since officially taking over the main role, Gumayusi is considered the player maintaining the best form, even when the team faces difficulties. This was most evident in the recent LCK Summer 2023, when Faker had to take a break due to injury. Unfortunately, despite Gumayusi performing well, T1 still could not win the Summer tournament.
It is noteworthy that, despite being a crucial pillar, Gumayusi has become the target of criticism due to a mistake in game 3 against Gen.G in the LCK Summer 2023 finals. The extremism of some T1 fans, especially in China, has turned Gumayusi into a “scapegoat.” Even neutral fans and T1 anti-fans had to admit that Gumayusi’s stable performance was a factor that kept T1 players from collapsing under pressure during Faker’s absence. Therefore, they find it hard to understand why Gumayusi has to bear so much criticism for the team’s overall failure.
However, the T1 ADC remains surprisingly optimistic. Recently, in an interview marking the three-year anniversary of his professional debut, Gumayusi shared insights about T1’s recent journey. He admitted: “We put our heart and soul into the match against KT. I have to admit I was surprised when they chose me. The effort for KT left many shortcomings in our preparation for the match against Gen.G.”
Additionally, Gumayusi hinted at an uncertain future with T1, stating that everything will depend on the results at the 2023 World Championship (Worlds). He made fans sigh as he confessed: “This could be my last Worlds in T1 colors. Of course, it doesn’t mean I will leave the team at the end of this year. But who knows if this could be my last season as a member of T1. Therefore, I want to win. T1 is the strongest team, and I can only stay if I am the best player.”
Gumayusi’s comments are grounded as both he and Keria will see their contracts expire at the end of this year. The 2002-born ADC has always been regarded as the best AD player T1 has had since Bang lost his form. Therefore, if T1’s future doesn’t include Gumayusi, it would be a significant loss that would be hard to replace.