Season 1 League of Legends World Champion Maciej ‘Shushei’ Ratuszniak has passed away aged 36 after a battle with cancer on April 28th, 2025.
The Polish player, known for his time representing Fnatic, was the first player to receive an MVP award after winning the inaugural world championship in 2011.
UPDATE 06/05/2025: On May 5th, League of Legends announced an in-game activation to celebrate Shushei’s esports achievements.
Shushei retired in 2013 but left a lasting legacy on League of Legends esports. To celebrate his performance at the 2011 World Championship, he chose Gragas as the champion to receive a personalised skin. The Fnatic Gragas skin is still available to purchase 14 years on from his world championship triumph.
In addition to his world championship success, Shushei also won Season 6 of Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) in New York under the Fnatic banner alongside a win at IEM Hannover representing myRevenge in 2011.
Fnatic paid tribute to Shushei in a social media post: “Yesterday, we lost a legend in Shushei. Shushei 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.”
Along with the organisation, several notable names from League of Legends esports paid their respects. “Rest in peace, Shushei, one of the first greats of our game. Way too young to go,” said LEC desk host Eefje ‘Sjokz’ Depoortere.
Shushei’s League of Legends Legacy
Widely considered a pioneer of esports in Poland, Shushei managed to build a loyal fan base when the League of Legends esports scene was in its infancy.
Known for his personality and unique strategies to gain the upper hand on the Rift, he will be remembered fondly as an icon of Fnatic and the wider esports landscape.
Esports Insider extends its condolences to Shushei’s family and friends.
