Legendary League of Legends player from Poland, Shushei, passes away at the age of 36 after a fierce battle with cancer.
In Memoriam: Shushei, a Pioneering Force in Esports
The heart-wrenching news of the passing of Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak, a colossal figure in Polish esports, reverberated across the globe on April 28, 2025. He was 36 years old and lost his battle against a swift, fierce fight with cancer.
Dorota Jasieniecka, his loving sister, took to Facebook to share her grief with the world:
Shushei's farewell will take place on May 5th at 12:00 PM at the Church of the Resurrection in Bydgoszcz.
Esports Pioneer
Shushei's esports travels commenced with teams such as All Against Authority and myRevenge before joining the prestigious Fnatic in 2011. As the team's formidable mid-laner, he spearheaded their conquest at the inaugural League of Legends World Championship. His remarkable performance earned him the MVP title of the tournament.
A maverick in the mid-lane, Shushei brought unconventional champions like Gragas and Alistar into the spotlight, leaving an everlasting impact on the game's meta. Riot Games immortalized his influence through the creation of a unique Gragas skin, inspired by him.
Post-Fnatic, Shushei played for various teams including DragonBorns, Pulse Esports, EloHell, IwantCookie, Venatores, and Team ESC PRO. He called it quits from professional play in 2013, yet remained active within the gaming community. His presence was felt across streaming platforms and events like the 2014 BlizzCon Heroes of the Storm show matches.
A Lasting Tribute
Shushei's heartfelt passing has stirred an outpouring of emotions from the global esports community. Fnatic, his former team, honored his memory and contributions to the League of Legends' early competitive scene:
Fans and fellow players harnessed the power of social media platforms, sharing their fond memories and condolences, highlighting Shushei's impact in inspiring a whole generation of esports enthusiasts.
Enduring Influence
Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak's imprint on the esports community, particularly within Poland, is forever etched in stone. As a groundbreaker and champion, his legacy continues to inspire players, fans, and enthusiasts alike. Though his passing brings profound sadness, his contributions will remain evergreen in our memories and hearts.
Stay Connected
Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter, featuring news from Poland. Subscribe here!
We don't spam!
Confirm your subscription by checking your inbox or spam folder.
- The groundbreaking mid-laner, Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak, known for capturing the League of Legends World Championship, passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 36.
- Shushei, a pioneer in esports, competed with teams such as All Against Authority, myRevenge, Fnatic, DragonBorns, Pulse Esports, EloHell, IwantCookie, Venatores, and Team ESC PRO.
- His distinctive playstyle, featuring unconventional champions like Gragas and Alistar, made a lasting impact on the LoL meta, prompting Riot Games to create a unique Gragas skin in his honor.
- Fnatic, his former team, paid tribute to him as a legendary member of their inaugural World Championship-winning roster, expressing their condolences on social media.
- Fellow players, fans, and enthusiasts have shared memories and condolences, emphasizing Shushei's enduring influence on the esports community, particularly in Poland, whose hearts still mourn his passing.
