Proven esports figure Shushei, acclaimed in Poland for his League of Legends accomplishments, passes away at 36, after a fierce struggle with cancer.

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Shushei, the Polish Esports Pioneer, Bids Farewell

The esports world is shaken by the tragic loss of Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak, the sole Polish player to win the League of Legends World Championship title. On April 28, 2025, at the tender age of 36, he lost his life after a fierce battle with cancer. His family confirmed the grim news on Facebook.

Sister Dorota Jasieniecka broke the unfortunate news on Facebook with a deeply emotional message,

"Last night, my rock crumbled, breaking innumerable hearts along the way. Maciej Ratuszniak-a cherished husband, son, brother, and uncle. Friend... Ardent lover of his dogs, Saito and Yuno. Shushei, passionate gamer and League of Legends world champion, left us on April 28 after a brief but powerful fight against cancer."

The funeral for this extraordinary figure of Polish esports will be held on May 5 at 12:00 PM at the chapel of the Church of the Resurrection in Bydgoszcz.

A Life in Esports

From humble beginnings playing with teams like myRevenge to making waves on the roster of legendary Fnatic in 2011, Shushei's remarkable career had a massive impact on the esports scene. As the team's mid-laner, he played a vital role in securing victory in the inaugural League of Legends World Championship, earning him the MVP title.

Shushei's unconventional playstyle popularized characters like Gragas and Alistar, revolutionizing the game's meta. His impact was immortalized through a special Gragas skin created by Riot Games in his honor.

After parting ways with Fnatic, Shushei continued to shine in various teams, including DragonBorns, Pulse Esports, EloHell, IwantCookie, Venatores, and Team ESC PRO. His prolific career culminated in his retirement from professional play in 2013. However, he continued to be an active member of the gaming community, streaming and engaging in events like the 2014 BlizzCon Heroes of the Storm show matches.

Community Remembrances

The heartfelt grief toward Shushei's passing is palpable in the global esports community. Fnatic, his former team, released a somber statement about their loss, recognizing his contributions in building the foundation of League of Legends' competitive scene.

"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, igniting the passion of countless Fnatic LoL fans. Our thoughts are with his friends and family 🧡" April 29, 2025

Waves of condolences and tributes have flooded social media platforms, as fans and fellow players echo the profound influence Shushei had on generations of esports enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

Shushei's legacy in the esports realm, particularly in Poland, will forever be etched in the annals of gaming history. As a blazing trailblazer and champion, his spirit lives on in the hearts and memory of countless players and fans. His untimely passing leaves a void in the gaming community, but his actions and accomplishments will continue to inspire for generations.

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Proven esports figure Shushei, acclaimed in Poland for his League of Legends accomplishments, passes away at 36, after a fierce struggle with cancer.