A Champion Remembered
The esports world is mourning the loss of Maciej “Shushei” Ratuszniak, the Polish player who made history by winning the very first League of Legends World Championship in 2011 with Fnatic. At only 36 years old, he passed away on April 28, 2025, after a long fight with cancer. Known for his skill, creativity, and personality, Shushei was the first-ever player to receive an MVP award on the world stage. His choice of Gragas during the inaugural world championship became iconic, leading Riot Games to release a personalized Fnatic Gragas skin in his honor. More than a decade later, that skin remains available to players and stands as a symbol of his contribution to the game.
Achievements Beyond Worlds
Shushei’s career was filled with milestones beyond the world championship. He claimed victory at Intel Extreme Masters New York in 2011 with Fnatic and triumphed again at IEM Hannover with myRevenge. These wins cemented his reputation as one of the most impactful early pros in League of Legends history. After retiring in 2013, Shushei continued to inspire a generation of Polish esports fans and beyond. His fearless playstyle and bold strategies made him unforgettable to those who watched the early days of professional League of Legends.
Tributes From the Esports Community
Fnatic, the team with which he achieved his greatest success, shared a heartfelt tribute: “Yesterday, we lost a legend in Shushei. He was a part of the incredible Fnatic team that won the first-ever League of Legends World Championships back in 2011 that begun the Fnatic LoL fandom for so many of our fans. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.” Prominent esports host Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere added her voice, saying, “Rest in peace, Shushei, one of the first greats of our game. Way too young to go.”
Legacy of a Pioneer
Shushei will always be remembered not just for his wins but for his role in establishing esports as a global phenomenon. At a time when competitive gaming was still finding its place, he became a trailblazer who showed what it meant to be a professional gamer. His impact reached far beyond Poland. For fans worldwide, Shushei represented the magic of the early League of Legends scene. His charisma, determination, and love for the game created a loyal following that still remembers him as one of the true originals of esports.
Honoring His Memory
League of Legends has announced an in-game activation to honor Shushei’s career and legacy. This tribute ensures that both longtime fans and new players will continue to learn about and celebrate his achievements. As esports continues to grow into a global industry, Shushei’s story remains a reminder of its humble beginnings and the players who made it possible.
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