The League of Legends competitive scene is heating up with the KeSPA Cup, which kicked off on December 6, 2025. Among the marquee matchups is a significant clash featuring Hanwha Life Esports’ Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong against his former team, T1. This match carries immense symbolic weight following Gumayusi’s surprising offseason transfer from T1 after three consecutive World Championship victories.
Gumayusi’s Transition to HLE
The split between Gumayusi and T1 shocked the esports community. After a successful tenure, Gumayusi joined Choi “Zeus” Woo-je at Hanwha Life Esports. In his absence, T1 has brought in young talent Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan to fill the void left by this star player.
Significant Matchup on the Horizon
Next Thursday, the highly-anticipated match symbolizes a reunion with history. Gumayusi will confront the organization that shaped his early career. His collaboration with Ryu “Keria” Min-seok was one of the game’s most celebrated partnerships. However, in this upcoming encounter, they will be rivals on opposing sides.
Context of the KeSPA Cup
The first round of the KeSPA Cup will showcase a best-of-three (BO3) format. Both teams, T1 and Hanwha Life Esports, finished on top of their respective groups in the lead-up to this clash. While the outcome will not lead to elimination, the stakes involve not only pride but also eligibility for participation in the Asian Games.
Previous Encounters and Comparisons
This reunion echoes the previous offseason saga involving Zeus and T1. Following a lengthy offseason narrative, Zeus, like Gumayusi, found a new home at HLE. Their initial clash came during the Playoffs of the 2025 LCK Cup, where Zeus secured a close 3-2 victory over T1.
Upcoming Matches
- Match: Hanwha Life Esports vs. T1
- Date: Next Thursday
- Format: Best of Three (BO3)
| Teams | Competing Against | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hanwha Life Esports | T1 | Next Thursday |
| Dplus KIA | Nongshim RedForce | Same Day |
Gumayusi’s upcoming duel with T1 is poised to be a pivotal moment in the tournament, reflecting both personal and team legacies within the League of Legends landscape.
