Ana
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It’s with a heavy heart that the League of Legends community says goodbye to one of its earliest icons. Shushei, real name Maciej Ratuszniak, passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 36 after a battle with cancer. For those who’ve been around since the early days of LoL esports, the name Shushei isn’t just familiar—it’s legendary.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on who Shushei was, what he meant to the game, and how his legacy continues to shape the world of competitive gaming and esports.
His aggressive, creative playstyle helped define the early meta and inspired a generation of players to think outside the box. Whether it was AP Gragas, Evelynn, or Vi, Shushei was never afraid to innovate—and often succeeded in doing so.
He officially retired from professional play in 2013, but his influence never faded. His name continued to pop up in discussions about LoL’s early days, and his legacy was cemented with the Fnatic Gragas skin, which remains available in the game to this day.
He also brought personality to the stage. Who could forget the infamous chest bump celebration that sent his teammate Hosan flying during the LCS Warsaw qualifiers? Moments like that made Shushei more than just a competitor—he was an entertainer and a beloved figure in the scene.
Fnatic, Riot, and countless players have shared tributes across social media, remembering Shushei not just as a champion, but as a trailblazer who helped shape what esports is today.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone just learning about him now, take a moment to honor his memory. Equip the Fnatic Gragas skin. Share your favorite clip. Or just say “GG” in his name.
Rest in peace, Shushei. You’ll never be forgotten.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on who Shushei was, what he meant to the game, and how his legacy continues to shape the world of competitive gaming and esports.
The First World Champion MVP
Shushei rose to fame in 2011 as a core member of Fnatic’s roster during the Season 1 League of Legends World Championship. Not only did Fnatic win the tournament, but Shushei was also named the first-ever Worlds MVP, thanks to his dominant performance on Gragas, a champion that would become synonymous with his name.His aggressive, creative playstyle helped define the early meta and inspired a generation of players to think outside the box. Whether it was AP Gragas, Evelynn, or Vi, Shushei was never afraid to innovate—and often succeeded in doing so.
A Career Beyond Worlds
While many remember him for that iconic 2011 championship, Shushei’s career extended well beyond that moment. He went on to win Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Season 6 in New York and IEM Hannover 2011, playing for teams like myRevenge and Fnatic.He officially retired from professional play in 2013, but his influence never faded. His name continued to pop up in discussions about LoL’s early days, and his legacy was cemented with the Fnatic Gragas skin, which remains available in the game to this day.
Innovator, Entertainer, and Esports Pioneer
Shushei wasn’t just a great player—he was a true innovator. He was one of the first pros to bring unconventional picks into competitive viability, helping to define the role of AP Carries in the early meta. His fearless experimentation and high-risk, high-reward style made him a fan favorite.He also brought personality to the stage. Who could forget the infamous chest bump celebration that sent his teammate Hosan flying during the LCS Warsaw qualifiers? Moments like that made Shushei more than just a competitor—he was an entertainer and a beloved figure in the scene.
Honoring His Legacy
To honor his contributions, Riot Games is launching a special in-game title: “Shushei Forever”, available starting May 14, 2025. While the exact mission details haven’t been revealed, it’s expected to celebrate his legacy in a meaningful way.Fnatic, Riot, and countless players have shared tributes across social media, remembering Shushei not just as a champion, but as a trailblazer who helped shape what esports is today.
Final Thoughts
For many of us, Shushei was more than just a name on a scoreboard—he was a symbol of what made early League of Legends so special. His creativity, charisma, and competitive spirit helped lay the foundation for the global phenomenon that LoL has become.Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone just learning about him now, take a moment to honor his memory. Equip the Fnatic Gragas skin. Share your favorite clip. Or just say “GG” in his name.
Rest in peace, Shushei. You’ll never be forgotten.
