Prominent League of Legends player and Polish enthusiast, Shushei, passes away at the age of 36 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Notable Polish esports figure Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak, the country's only League of Legends World Championship titleholder, passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 36. Ratuszniak's family confirmed his death was due to a brief but intense battle with cancer.
Dorota Jasieniecka, his sister, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, expressing her grief: "Yesterday, my brother's heart stopped, breaking many hearts in the process. Maciej Ratuszniak-beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle. Friend... Lover of his dogs, Saito and Yuno. Shushei, passionate gamer and League of Legends world champion, passed away on April 28 after a short but fierce fight with cancer."
Shushei's funeral is scheduled for May 5 at 12:00 PM in the chapel of the Church of the Resurrection in Bydgoszcz.
Legacy in Esports
Ratuszniak commenced his esports career with teams like All Against Authority and myRevenge before joining the revered Fnatic roster in 2011. As the team's mid-laner, he played a vital role in securing victory at the inaugural League of Legends World Championship, earning the tournament's MVP title.
Known for his groundbreaking playstyle, Ratuszniak introduced unorthodox mid-lane champions such as Gragas and Alistar, leaving an enduring impact on the game's meta. His achievements were recognized by Riot Games, who created a special Gragas skin in honor of him.
Following his tenure with Fnatic, Ratuszniak played for teams such as DragonBorns, Pulse Esports, EloHell, IwantCookie, Venatores, and Team ESC PRO. He retired from professional play in 2013 but remained active in the gaming community through streaming and participation in events like the 2014 BlizzCon Heroes of the Storm show matches.
Community Tributes
Ratuszniak's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the global esports community. Fnatic, his former team, acknowledged his significant contributions to the early competitive scene of League of Legends.
"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 began the Fnatic LoL fandom for so many of our fans," the team tweeted.
Fans and fellow players have taken to social media platforms to share memories and express condolences, emphasizing Ratuszniak's role in inspiring a generation of esports enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak's influence on the esports landscape, particularly within Poland, is indelible. As a pioneer and champion, his legacy continues to inspire players and fans alike. His passing marks a significant loss to the gaming community, but his contributions will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
In light of his passing, the innovative AI gaming strategies pioneered by the late Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak in the realm of esports are now being regarded as a significant breakthrough in sports history, transcending traditional sports and reshaping the esports landscape.
The sports world, deeply affected by his passing, has taken to digital platforms to pay tribute to this exceptional figure, commemorating his exceptional contributions to both the sports and esports realms.
