He revolutionized League of Legends: Former Fnatic mid laner, world champion with MVP award and beloved pillar of the community, Shushei, has passed away. Riot is now honoring him with a special in-game event.
One of the most influential players to ever walk the Rift has passed away. On April 28, 2025, Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak lost his battle with cancer at just 36.
But one thing is certain: he will live on forever in the hearts of the League of Legends community. Riot Games is also saddened.
Our MVP
He was not just one of the many pro players trying to prove themselves in the e-sports scene. Shushei was a pioneer for the success of League of Legends.
With picks like Alistar Mid, or the champion that brought him to fame, Gragas, he revolutionized how League of Legends is played.
Not only did he win the first World Championships with Fnatic when they were still held in a small Dreamhack tent, he was the first to be awarded the title "Most Valuable Player".
For the League of Legends community, he still is. There's no denying that Shushei has helped make Fnatic a team that everyone knows.
Yesterday we lost a legend in Shushei.Shushei was 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 pic.twitter.com/A2JPtFSb6t
— FNATIC (@FNATIC) April 29, 2025
And it's not just his success in professional LoL that is remembered: he is known for his likeable nature, the best Gragas cosplay and his love for the world - especially his dogs. He has built up a loyal fanbase, especially in his home country of Poland.
Even Riot Sheds A Tear
The Reddit thread announcing the death of the beloved Gragas cosplayer was commented on by hundreds of users with condolences. Among them is one very special person: Marc "Tryndamere" Merill, the creator of League of Legends. He writes:
RIP Shushei - I’ll always remember your cheerful attitude a wonderful smile. Gragas barrel FTW
Below this was a comment asking whether there would be a small in-game souvenir for him. Another said that this would not bring any profit for the stingy Riot. He has misjudged Riot, because in what has become a rare step towards the community, that is exactly what is now available.
League Of Legends Commemorates Its MVP
The official League of Legends Facebook page is now publicizing the sadness over the lost pro player.
As befits a true MVP, every Gragas enthusiast will receive their own skin, which can still be purchased after 14 years. You also get the profile title "Shushei Forever" for free. Even before that, there was a call in the community to come together and play a few rounds of Gragas with his skin.
While this may not sound like a big deal, it's rare that pro players are officially honored in this way. As a Season 1 veteran and e-sports lover, I'm glad that one of the players who sparked my love for the game will never be forgotten.