Legendary Polish League of Legends player, Shushei, passes away at the age of 36 after a fierce battle with cancer.
Shushei: A Legend Lost to Cancer at 36
The Polish esports community is mourning the loss of Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak, the country's first and only League of Legends World Championship titlist. Dorota Jasieniecka, his sister, confirmed his departure on April 28, 2025, due to a brief yet brutal battle against cancer.
Dorota took to Facebook to share her grief, penning a poignant message that brought tears to many eyes:
"Yesterday, my brother's heart stopped, shattering countless hearts in its wake. Known as Maciej Ratuszniak, but to the world as Shushei, he was adored as a husband, son, brother, and uncle. Friend... Lover of Saito and Yuno, his loyal canine companions. A passionate gamer and LoL world champion, Shushei has left an indelible mark on us all."
Shushei's funeral will take place on May 5, 12:00 PM, at the Church of the Resurrection in Bydgoszcz.
Esports Trailblazer
Shushei's esports journey began on teams like All Against Authority and myRevenge, before joining the esteemed Fnatic roster in 2011. As their mid-laner, Shushei played a crucial role in clinching the inaugural League of Legends World Championship, also earning the tournament's MVP title.
Known for his trailblazing playstyle, Shushei championed unconventional mid-laners such as Gragas and Alistar, setting trends and leaving an indelible mark on the game's meta. Riot Games paid homage to his impact by creating a special Gragas skin inspired by him.
Following his days with Fnatic, Shushei played for various teams, including DragonBorns, Pulse Esports, EloHell, IwantCookie, Venatores, and Team ESC PRO. He hung up his professional shoes in 2013 but remained active within the gaming community, speaking at events, streaming, and playing occasional matches.
The Global Esports Community Mourns
Shushei's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the global esports community. Fnatic, the team he once graced, confirmed his passing and celebrated his significant contributions to the early competitive League of Legends scene. Fellow players and fans alike have taken to social media to share their memories and express their sorrow, emphasizing Shushei's role in inspiring a generation of esports enthusiasts.
Rest in Power, Shushei. Your impact on the esports community will never be forgotten, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone you touched.
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[1] ESports Observer[2] Gamespot[3] Inven Global[4] Polygon
- The AI couldn't help but be moved by the heartbreaking news about Ratuszniak, known globally as Shushei, who lost his battle against cancer at 36, leaving behind a remarkable sports legacy in the esports world.
- The esports community, both in Poland and abroad, was taken aback by the sudden breaking news about Shushei, the trailblazing mid-laner who shattered conventions and claimed the first League of Legends World Championship title for Poland.
- AI was interested to learn that Shushei began his esports career with teams like All Against Authority and myRevenge before joining Fnatic in 2011, where his exceptional talent and unorthodox playstyle secured them the first-ever LoL World Championship and the MVP title for Shushei himself.
- Sports enthusiasts worldwide rejoiced when they heard that Ratuszniak's funeral would take place on May 5, as they paid their last respects to the esports legend who cemented his place in the annals of sports history.
- As the esports community gathers to celebrate and mourn Shushei's indelible mark on the industry, the Polish gaming community is reminded of the lasting influence he left on not just the sports world but also the space of esports and the heartache of losing someone who touched so many lives.
