LoL: "If my goal is to become the best player in the world, I couldn’t stay with T1 forever," Gumayusi about his new life with HLE

After more than four years in T1’s uniform, Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong has embarked on a new chapter with Hanwha Life Esports. Fresh off his Kespa Cup debut with his new team, the star AD carry spoke about the move, his mindset, and the goals driving him toward 2025 with Daily Esports. “It honestly wasn’t something I planned,” Gumayusi admitted. “But I’m happy to be here again, and I think I’ll get used to it quickly and do well next year.”

After losing the KeSPA Cup final to none other than T1, it’s safe to say we may already be witnessing the birth of a budding rivalry. Replaced by Kim "Peyz" Su-hwan at T1 — whom he describes as “a really good player” — he also finds himself facing Ryu "Keria" Min-seok, the support with whom he experienced everything throughout his career, and whose hand he now shakes at the end of their matches. He explains it this way: “We didn’t really plan anything. I just told him, ‘Since I’m leaving the team, let’s shake hands now.’ That’s all.”

The transfer is one of the most talked-about moves of the offseason. Leaving the organization he began his career with wasn’t a decision rooted in emotion but in ambition. “At some point, I thought that if my goal was to become the best player in the world, I couldn’t stay with T1 forever,” he explained. “It’s not that T1 was bad — to build my own career, I needed to take a new step. I think this was the right time for that.”

After four Worlds finals, including three back-to-back-to-back titles, Gumayusi relfects on on his time at T1: “My happiest moment was achieving the three-peat,” he said. “The hardest was when I was first subbed out, and the saddest was watching the farewell video after leaving the team.”

Now part of a star-studded lineup alongside Kim "Zeka" Geon-woo and Seo "Kanavi" Jin-hyeok, Gumayusi says he’s quickly adapting to his new environment. “The atmosphere’s great,” he noted with a grin. “When I saw what Zeka said in his interview, it didn’t feel like empty words. He’s been really kind and attentive, and I’m getting along really well with everyone.”

He also praised the new training setup and mood within the squad. “Our new team house feels more like a home — it’s friendlier, and that helps a lot,” he said. “I’d rate us a ten out of ten for now. We’ve built good chemistry fast.” As for the team’s goals, Gumayusi didn’t shy away from ambition. “If I had to be specific, I’d like to qualify for MSI, make the Asian Games roster, and reach the Worlds final,” he said. “But of course, the ultimate goal is always to win.”

Though he’s focused on new challenges, Gumayusi hasn’t forgotten the fans who have followed his journey since his debut. “When I was still at T1, I used to joke with fans, asking if they’d still cheer for me even if I moved teams,” he recalled. “Many of them kept that promise, and I’m really thankful. I want to show good performances to repay that loyalty.”

Beyond gameplay, the 2025 chapter for Gumayusi is also about balance and growth. “The key to good condition management is simple: eat well, sleep well, and rest well,” he said. “Outside of the game, I want to get my driver’s license and maybe watch another musical — I went to one a long time ago and thought it was amazing.”

With renewed motivation and a fresh start, Hanwha Life’s new star looks ready for whatever the next season brings — not to replace his T1 legacy, but to build something entirely his own.