So, this just happened—Maciej “Shushei” Ratuszniak, the OG midlaner who snagged the first-ever League of Legends World Championship MVP back in 2011, has passed away at 36. The news hit the community hard, especially since he bravely fought cancer for years before finally losing the battle. Shushei isn’t just a name in esports history; he’s that icon who helped build competitive League right from the start with his clever plays and infectious personality.
Shushei’s claim to fame? Winning the inaugural Worlds with Fnatic, one of the legendary teams that set the stage for what esports is today. That moment wasn’t just a win—it was the spark that ignited so many fans’ passion. He was also known for shaking up the meta with champions like Gragas and Alistar, making them popular AP picks when no one expected it. Riot Games even let him choose a champion for a commemorative skin, and naturally, he picked Gragas, leaving behind that forever Fnatic Gragas skin in the game as a nod to his legacy.
Beyond those trophies and stats, it’s the moments—like that legendary chest bump celebration gone slightly wild—that make his story feel so alive. Shushei’s charm, humor, and drive made him a beloved figure, remembered not just for skill but for injecting fun and personality into the scene.
The community and big names in esports have flooded social media with tributes. Fnatic mourned the loss of a legend who kicked off their LoL fandom; Riot co-founder Marc Merrill praised Shushei’s smile and spirit; even the official LoL Worlds anthem this year paid a respectful nod to him.
If you want to keep his memory alive, Riot’s enabling players to unlock a “Shushei Forever” title and his commemorative skin by playing a few games as Gragas—pretty sweet tribute, right? His funeral is set for May 5 in Poland, and naturally, the LoL world’s thoughts are with family, friends, and fans, all remembering Shushei not just as a player, but as the cheerful mark he left on esports forever.
