Hanwha Life Esports has made waves in the competitive gaming community with their latest roster update. The team announced the acquisition of bot-laner Lee ‘Gumayusi’ Min-hyung, a move set to enhance their League of Legends line-up for the 2026 LCK season. Gumayusi’s departure from the World Champion team T1 marks a new chapter in his career.
Gumayusi’s New Beginning
Gumayusi’s transition to Hanwha Life Esports follows his pivotal role in T1’s recent triumph at the League of Legends World Championship. After being crowned MVP in the Grand Finals against KT Rolster, Gumayusi bid farewell to T1, concluding a successful seven-year stint with the organisation. Reports suggest that his departure was announced on November 17th, accompanied by a heartfelt video and post.
For Hanwha Life Esports, the addition of Gumayusi is a strategic move to soar to new heights, leveraging his skills and experience. “With his exceptional performance and extensive experience, Gumayusi will help lead Hanwha Life Esports toward even greater heights. We kindly ask for your continued support as we begin our journey with Gumayusi in the 2026 season,” the team shared.
Changes at T1
Gumayusi’s exit has led to a shuffle in T1’s roster, with Kim ‘Peyz’ Su-hwan stepping in as the new bot-laner. Formerly a player for Gen.G Esports in the 2024 season, Peyz is expected to bring fresh energy and insights to the team. Meanwhile, another key player from T1, the academy sensation Smash, has also moved on to a new opportunity.
Smash Also Leaves T1
The promising bot-laner Smash has shifted gears to join Dplus Kia, sparking excitement among fans and teammates alike. Sources have stated that Dplus Kia is eager to see Smash’s potential flourish, encouraging fans to support his journey with the team. The departure of Gumayusi and Smash signals a period of transition for T1, as both players embark on their new adventures with different organizations.