T1’s decision to bench Gumayusi and start Smash, their rookie ADC from their Challengers team, was a controversial decision from the moment it happened. And, despite Smash being a strong player, he’s now been replaced with Gumayusi once again.
However, this decision wasn’t made in typical fashion. Rather than T1’s coaching staff looking at the performance of both players and picking who they preferred, T1 CEO Joe Marsh took matters into his own hands and reinstated Gumayusi himself.
In a near-unprecedented move in esports, the owner of the organization has overwritten his coaching staff and chosen for them to get the Worlds-winning ADC back on the starting roster.
T1’s CEO takes matters into his own hands
His statement to T1 fans explains the initial decision, his intervention, and that both Gumayusi and Smash are valued members of the organization.
“I understand many of you have been frustrated by our silence regarding roster changes and the possibility of a six-man lineup. Please know that this was never out of disregard for our fans, but rather due to ongoing internal discussions between management and our coaching staff,” he explained.
“I have complete trust in ‘Becker’, ‘kkOma’ and the coaching staff, and, after extensive conversations with them, I have requested that ‘Gumayusi’ be part of the starting lineup and as a result, he will be starting when the regular season begins. This decision was not made lightly – but as CEO, it is my responsibility to take a long-term view and ensure the best interests of T1.”
Smash isn’t being taken off the roster, but Gumayusi is locked into their starting spot for the foreseeable future. Marsh claimed they would “determine which play gives us the best chance to win in the long run, and that player will play.”
Riot GamesSmash has been put on the bench despite a stellar performance that made him look better than almost every other ADC in the league
T1’s CEO went on to explain that the decision was made to test out Smash because of his strong performance in the Challengers cup. Joe Marsh isn’t wrong on that one, especially considering Smash’s LCK rookie debut is one of the best in the league’s history.
Regardless, Marsh has made the decision that Guma should be starting.
“I believe he has earned the right to prove himself once again as one of the world’s best [ADCs]. I once said that ‘Gumayusi’ bled black and red, and I meant that. He has been incredibly loyal to T1, and this is my way of honoring that loyalty.”
This swap came after Zeus’ acquisition by Hanwha Life Esports became the most shocking move of the off-season, with T1’s staff being devastated by how the trade went down and the org decrying both Zeus’ agent and HLE.
