In a recent Instagram livestream, star AD carry Gumayusi addressed the swirling rumors regarding his departure from T1, firmly rejecting claims that he left due to harassment from anonymous fan groups. His switch to Hanwha Life Esports has been the subject of extensive speculation in the League of Legends esports community, particularly about the impact negativity from fans might have had on his decision.
Gumayusi made it clear that he did not leave T1 because of hate comments. «Some people have said things like, ‘He left because of the people who hated him, the ones harassing him.’ That’s absolutely not the case. I never thought switching teams would magically make that problem disappear,» he stated, emphasizing that he does not let such negativity affect him. This statement comes amid increasing calls from various quarters, including South Korean National Assembly member Jeon Yong-gi, urging the gaming community to confront these issues.
Having spent nearly seven years at T1, starting as a trainee in late 2018 and rising to become one of the most celebrated ADCs in the game, Gumayusi’s transition to Hanwha Life is grounded in personal choice rather than external pressures. «The reason I chose Hanwha… this was my first time as a free agent. Thankfully, I got offers from a lot of teams. Hanwha Life evaluated me very positively, and I’ve always thought well of Hanwha too, so I decided to join them,» he explained, reflecting on the factors influencing his decision.
As he embarks on this new chapter, one of Gumayusi’s significant objectives with Hanwha Life is to secure qualification for the MSI 2026, establishing a clear target for the organization. His signing, alongside another high-profile acquisition, Kanavi from the LPL, marks a strategic move for the team heading into the 2026 season. Additionally, he reunites with former T1 teammate Zeus, which could enhance team synergy.
With aspirations for domestic titles and a strong emphasis on competing internationally, Hanwha Life’s recent roster changes signal their intent to establish themselves among the strongest teams worldwide. For Gumayusi, this transfer not only represents a fresh start but also an opportunity to carve out a new identity in the competitive landscape outside of T1’s formidable legacy.
