Prominent League of Legends Player from Poland, Shushei, Passes Away at 36 after a Struggle with Cancer
In a somber news today, Maciej Ratuszniak, a trailblazing figure in the Polish esports scene and the sole Polish player to secure a League of Legends World Championship title, passed away at the age of 36 on April 28, 2025. According to his family, his death was the result of a brief yet ferocious battle with cancer.
His sister, Dorota Jasieniecka, took to Facebook to announce the tragic news with a heartfelt message, commemorating Ratuszniak as a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, and lover of his dogs Saito and Yuno. The funeral is scheduled for May 5 at 12:00 PM at the Church of the Resurrection in Bydgoszcz.
Ratuszniak, affectionately known by his gaming alias Shushei, embarked on his esports career with teams such as All Against Authority and myRevenge before joining the esteemed Fnatic roster in 2011. As Fnatic's mid-laner, he played a pivotal role in their historic victory at the inaugural League of Legends World Championship, earning the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) title.
Known for his unconventional playstyle, Shushei championed off-meta mid-lane characters like Gragas and Alistar, leaving an indelible mark on the game's meta. His significant contributions were honored by Riot Games through the creation of a special Gragas skin in his honor.
Post-Fnatic, Shushei played for various teams, including DragonBorns, Pulse Esports, EloHell, IwantCookie, Venatores, and Team ESC PRO, before retiring from professional play in 2013. He continued to engage with the gaming community through streaming and appearances at events like the 2014 BlizzCon Heroes of the Storm show matches.
The devastating news of Shushei's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the global esports community. His former team Fnatic confirmed his death and acknowledged his impact on the early competitive League of Legends scene. Fellow players and fans have taken to social media to share memories, conveying their condolences and celebrating Shushei's role in inspiring a generation of esports enthusiasts.
The loss of Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak leaves an indelible mark on the esports landscape, particularly within Poland. His legacy as a pioneer and champion will serve as an inspiration for players and fans alike. Even in his passing, his contributions to the gaming community continue to be celebrated.
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In the realm of artificial intelligence, a newsbot could break the story of the tragic passing of Maciej Ratuszniak, a beloved figure in both the Polish sports and esports scenes. His contributions to sports, including becoming the sole Polish player to secure a League of Legends World Championship title, extended beyond the virtual battlefields of space, earning him respect and admiration from both traditional and electronic sports enthusiasts.
